Imphal: Exactly after 78 days of turmoil in Manipur state hit by vicious cycle of ethnic clashes between the Meetei/Meitei and the Kuki-Zomi communities, that has so far claimed over 120 lives, displaced tens and thousands of people, the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi has spoken for the first time on Thursday at the backdrop of the viral video of two women a Kuki-Zo tribal paraded naked by Meitei mob of men and allegedly gangraped.
Prime minister Narendra Modi speaking to media ahead of the Parliament Monsoon Session 2023 in his first ever remarks, said the incident has pained and angered his heart and said that such incident is shameful for any civilized society and that it cannot be forgiven.
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PM Narendra Modi appealing to all the chief ministers to strengthen laws of their respective states to take stringent action against crime committed to women, said, “I urge all the chief ministers to strengthen the law and order situation in their respective states, to take the strictest steps to protect our mothers and sisters.”
PM Modi went further and said, be it in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh or in Manipur, the incident has put 140 crore Indians to shame. He assured that to all that no criminal from the incident will be spared.
Meanwhile, in Manipur, chief minister N Biren said he felt bad after seeing the viral video “It’s a crime against humanity. I have immediately ordered the police to arrest the culprits. The state government will try to ensure capital punishment for the accused and that every human being should condemn it.”
“My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. After taking a Suo-moto cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society,” tweeted Biren Singh.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressing deep concern has said it is really disturbed over the viral video that surfaced yesterday about two women paraded naked in Manipur, and has asked the government to take action.
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The Supreme Court bench comprising of Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misrahas has directed the Union and State government to take steps against the videos of women being stripped and paraded in Manipur.
According to LiveLaw, CJI DY Chandrachud remarks “We will give a little time for government to take action otherwise we will step in.” CJI remarks further added, using women as an instrument in an area of communal strife to perpetuate gender violence is unacceptable.
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