Kangpokpi: In a horrific viral video that has emerged in the ethnic conflict-ridden Manipur state, purportedly leaked from certain sources, two women reportedly to be a Kuki-Zo tribal are seen dragged and paraded by several unruly Meitei mob of men and sexually assaulted them.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) in a press statement on Wednesday said the horrific incident took place at B Phainom village under Kangpokpi district on May 4.
ITLF taking cue from the viral video, hidden from the public view ever since the ethnic violence erupted on May 3 said, “evidence of atrocities committed against Kuki-Zo tribals continue to surface.” Further it said a “large Meitei mob parading two Kuki-Zo tribal women naked toward a paddy field to be gang-raped.”
ITLF, the Zo-Kuki tribal forum has termed the incident “sickening” and has vehemently condemned the viral video of the horrific incident, demanding that the Central and state governments, National Commission for Women, and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to take cognizance of the offense and take all necessary measures to bring justice to the culprits.
Must read | Widespread protest and condemnation pours in from valley over Lucy Marem’s brutal murder
While the Zo-Kuki tribal forum said that the despicable scene showing men constantly molesting the helpless women, who cried and plead with their captors, took place on May 4 in Kangpokpi district. ITLF stated that the women from B Phainom village were gangraped after the village was burnt down and two men, one middle-aged and another a teenager – were brutally beaten to death by the mob.”
“The horrifying ordeal suffered by these innocent women is amplified by the perpetrators’ decision to share the video, which shows the identity of the victims, on social media,” ITLF lamented.
Also read | Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi calls on Guv Anusuiya Uikey
The Aam Aadmi Party has condemned the horrifying viral video incident, and has noted the continued ordeal of the helpless people of Manipur.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the national political party said, “It has been brought to our notice that the video was shot on May 4 in Kangpokpi district in B Phainom Village where both the women were gang raped after the entire village was burnt down.”
Must read | 5-member Trinamool Congress fact finding delegation in Manipur; leaves for Churachandpur District
Aam Aadmi Party requested all citizens not to aggravate the plight and humiliation of the helpless women and speak up against the sickening act without sharing the gruesome video in the statement.
While requesting the intervention of the Prime Minister in Manipur, the national party said it is painful for all the citizens of the country as it accused the inaction of the State and the Central government.
“Turning a blind eye to the problem will not make it go away. The Aam Aadmi Party is ready and willing to assist in any manner as the Central Government may deem fit,” added AAP.
In connection to the viral video, Manipur police today informed that a case of abduction, gangrape and murder etc. has been registered at Nongpok Sekmai PS (Thoubal District) against “unknown armed miscreants,” and that investigation has been initiated. “The state police is making all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest,” it added.
Also read | Take Help From Assam Police To Arrest Kingpins Of Illegal Coal Mining: Meghalaya HC