Manipur News Highlights: Four accused in sexual assault case remanded in police custody for 11 days

Several tribal bodies Friday took out a protest march in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, demanding the imposition of President's Rule in violence-hit Manipur following national outrage over video showing two women being paraded and sexually assaulted by men in the state, news agency PTI reported.

Around ten different tribal organisations brought out the protest rally at Jaipal Singh Stadium and walked to Albert Ekka Chowk, where the participants raised slogans against the Centre and the Manipur government for allegedly failing to curb the violence, the PTI report said.

The report quoted Kendriya Sarna Samiti (KSS) central president Ajay Tirkey, who said, "The incident of two women being paraded naked and molested in public has ashamed the nation. We appeal to President Droupadi Murmu to take serious note of the matter. We demand that President's Rule be imposed in Manipur immediately." 

"The Centre and Manipur government have completely failed to tackle the violence. People have been left to suffer for more than two months. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh should immediately resign," Tirkey added.

Adivasi Jan Parishad (AJP) president Prem Sahi Munda alleged that the strife in Manipur was allowed to escalate for vote-bank politics, according to the report. (PTI)

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma said on Friday that she had received no response to letters that she wrote on three occasions to authorities in Manipur, expressing concern regarding violence against women and forwarding complaints.

She said that she had forwarded complaints received by a group in Manipur to the state’s Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi and DGP Rajiv Singh on May 23.

On May 29, she wrote to Joshi, saying that the NCW “has taken cognizance” of the violence that had erupted in Manipur on May 3.

Read the full story here.

Omar Abdullah, the National Conference vice-president, hit out at BJP leader Dilip Ghosh for his remarks that the Opposition was bringing up baseless issues to disrupt the Parliament sessions.

'For the BJP what is happening in Manipur is a 'baseless issue',' Abdullah wrote on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, Ghosh, speaking to news agency ANI, said, 'Whenever the Parliament session is about to start, they (opposition parties) bring up baseless issues to disrupt the House.'

For the BJP what is happening in Manipur is a “baseless issue”. https://t.co/jHCXIHcAaN

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 21, 2023

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Friday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over video showing two women being paraded naked in Manipur, saying it was 'shedding crocodile tears' over an incident that has shocked the world.

She also targeted the party over rape convict and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh being granted a 30-day parole and the alleged sexual harassment of wrestlers.

'On the heels of (the) BJP shedding crocodile tears on a gruesome incident that shocked the world, a prowling predator who takes advantage of female wrestlers is granted anticipatory bail. Another rapist masquerading as a godman is released on parole. The message from the ruling party is clear -- 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' isn't worth fighting against sexual molesters who secure (the) BJP's political interests,' People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba wrote over Twitter.

On the heels of BJP shedding crocodile tears on a gruesome incident that shocked the world, a prowling predator who takes advantage of female wrestlers is granted anticipatory bail. Another rapist masquerading as a godman is released on parole. The message from the ruling party…

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 21, 2023

The Shiv Sena (UBT) Friday demanded the dismissal of the N Biren Singh government in Manipur and imposition of President's rule after video showing two women being paraded naked in the violence-hit state emerged on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported.

Party leader and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray said that the horrific incident in Manipur has maligned the image of the country in the world. “The (Manipur) government should be dismissed and there should be President's rule in the state,” the report quoted Thackeray.

Moreover, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken on the issue after 56 days and that too outside the Parliament. The European Union Parliament has discussed the ongoing violence in Manipur, but if PM Modi does not hold a discussion on the issue in Parliament then it does not augur well for democracy, news agency PTI quoted Raut. (PTI)

Four people — including the prime accused in Manipur sexual assault case, Huirem Herodas Meitei — have been remanded to 11-day police custody, news agency ANI quoted Manipur police.

All four accused were arrested over their involvement in the violence earlier today. 

Assam Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi Friday demanded President's Rule in Manipur, alleging that the ongoing violence is the "design of the RSS and BJP," news agency PTI reported. Gogoi said, “This is a design of the RSS and the BJP, of Narendra Modi and his government. The RSS and the BJP are trying to polarise the people of Manipur.” 

“There is turmoil in Manipur, but nobody is bothered. Nobody is coming to control the situation,” Gogoi said while reacting to violence.“We demand President's Rule be declared in Manipur. The state government should resign,” PTI quoted Gogoi.

The Raijor Dal party chief also sought the resignation of the N Biren Singh-led state government in Manipur for allegedly failing to control the situation. (PTI)

Congress leader Nana Patole Friday targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Manipur violence, said, "The whole world has condemned this incident, but the PM has shown little concern."

VIDEO | "The whole world has condemned this incident, but the PM has shown little concern," says Congress leader Nana Patole on Manipur viral video. pic.twitter.com/HPpQSVLeDk

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2023

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday, calling for a 'free and fair discussion on Manipur,' told news agency PTI, 'We would want the Prime Minister of India to speak inside the Parliament.'

'We would want to have a free and fair discussion on Manipur,' Chaturvedi added. (PTI)

VIDEO | "We would want the Prime Minister of India to speak inside the Parliament and have a free and fair discussion on Manipur," says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader @priyankac19. pic.twitter.com/eZEHAcrlpz

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2023

Days after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, four people -- including the prime accused in the case, Huirem Herodas Meitei -- have been arrested over their involvement in the case. Meitei's house was set on fire yesterday by the women folk of Petchi Village.

After learning about the arrest of Herodas, the women folk of Petchi village converged and headed to the accused house after a brief discussion among themselves. The group of women started vandalising the accused house and set it on fire. 

"Be it Meitei or other communities, as a woman, outraging a woman's dignity is not acceptable. We cannot allow such a person to be in our society. It's a shame to the entire Meitei community," said a Meira Paibi leader.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Locket Chatterjee, condemning Manipur violence, recounted an alleged incident of sexual assault by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers of a BJP candidate during the Weste Bengal panchayat polls on July 8 in Howrah district, news agency ANI reported. 

#WATCH | BJP MP Locket Chatterjee breaks down as she recounts an alleged incident of sexual assault by TMC workers of a BJP candidate during Panchayat polls on 8th July in Howrah district of West Bengal pic.twitter.com/45VdDGqDXi

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2023

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Friday said that the people of the state consider “women as their mother” but the miscreants who attacked and stripped two tribal women naked, has “tarnished the state's reputation," news agency PTI reported.

Singh said protests were being held across Manipur to condemn the incident.

“People of Manipur consider women their mother, but some miscreants have done this and tarnished our reputation. We have launched protests to condemn the incident across the state, both in valley areas and the hills,” he said.

Singh added that people are demanding that the culprits get the strictest punishment. A dar earlier, he had said that he will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. (PTI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Modi alleged that the Opposition does not want to have a discussion on Manipur.

"...They (Opposition) don't want to hold the discussion... When the Leader of the House Piyush Goyal gave his nod to discuss the Manipur issue then why are they (Opposition) running away?" Modi told news agency ANI. (ANI)

#WATCH | "...They (opposition) don't want to hold the discussion...When the Leader of the House Piyush Goyal gave his nod to discuss the Manipur issue then why are they (opposition) running away?" said BJP Leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Modi. pic.twitter.com/X2cEpZ2cEc

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2023

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien Friday wrote to the Rajya Sabha Chairperson demanding that his entire speech dated July 20, where he had "rightfully" questioned the government on the alarming situation in Manipur in the House, to be put on record, news agency PTI reported.  

Parts of his speech in the House were expunged on Thursday.

"Phrases from my point of order on 20 July 2023 were expunged by the exercise of the Presiding Officer's discretion. The Point of Order made by me on July 20, 2023, was an attempt as leader of one of the largest opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha, to duly and rightfully question the Prime Minister and the Government in power about the alarming and distressful law and order situation in the state of Manipur," O'Brien wrote, according to the PTI report.

"The Point of Order made by me and the questions asked therein were within the true essence of democracy and anything but 'Unparliamentary'. I had simply asked for the Prime Minister to speak up on Manipur in Parliament," he said. (PTI)

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, who is under pressure following the emergence of the video, said today that he does not want to go into the issue of his resignation, which is being sought by the Opposition.

"I don't want to go into this. My job is to bring peace to the state.  Miscreants are there in every society but we will not spare them," he said.

#WATCH | When asked to respond on calls for his resignation over the law and order situation in Manipur, CM N Biren Singh says, "I don't want to go into this. My job is to bring peace to the state. Miscreants are there in every society but we will not spare them." pic.twitter.com/gD7ci42GIw

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2023

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today questioned PM Narendra Modi's stance on the Manipur issue, asking, "did the incident in Manipur not hurt you even a little?"

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "I want to ask PM Modi did the incident in Manipur not hurt you even a little? You point fingers at West Bengal but don't you have love for sisters and mothers? Till when daughters will be burnt, Dalits, minorities will be killed,… pic.twitter.com/wDl8aL008i

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2023

The Lok Sabha was adjourned on the second day of the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2.30 pm today. There was a ruckus in both Houses over the law and order situation in Manipur.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government was ready to discuss the Manipur issue. “I had said this in the All Party Meeting and I reiterate this in the Parliament that we want a discussion in the House over Manipur. But I see that there are a few political parties that unnecessarily want to create a situation here so that the discussion on Manipur can’t take place,” he said.

National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma today said she had reached out thrice in the last three months to authorities in Manipur over incidents of violence against women but no response was received from them.

Just talked to DGP Manipur and he apprised that the main accused is been arrested in this matter. He assured me that others will also be arrested soon. https://t.co/Zi90kOg0Pt

— Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) July 20, 2023

She was responding to reports in a section of the media that claimed the commission had on June 12 received a complaint about the incident of two women being paraded naked on May 4 in the ethnic violence-hit northeastern state but had not taken any action. The May 4 video surfaced online on July 19.

Sharma denied receiving any report of the incident and said she took suo motu cognisance of it on Friday after the video surfaced and sought explanation from authorities on the matter. However, the NCW chief said that she had received other complaints regarding women issues and for that she had reached out thrice to authorities in Manipur but no response was received from them. (PTI)

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Friday termed the incident of two women paraded naked in Manipur "shameful and heart-wrenching" but decried the political bickering over it as unfair and worrisome.

In a tweet in Hindi, Mayawati said, "The atrocities committed by mobs on women in Manipur is very sad, shameful and heart-wrenching. The state and central governments should punish such criminals severely so that such heinous crimes are not repeated anywhere."

2. ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??????? ?? ?? ??? ?? ?? ?? ?????? ??? ????????? ???? ??? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??. ??????? ????? ?? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ?????? ?? ?????????????? ???? ?? ??? ?? ????? ???? ??????

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 21, 2023

"But the politics being done on this incident is also unfair and worrying. There must be a meaningful discussion on this in Parliament. The Supreme Court itself has also taken cognizance of this incident which cannot be suppressed. That means everyone needs to be serious about the unfortunate incident," Mayawati said in another related.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo on Thursday said, "The whole country is worried about the continued violence in Manipur. The latest incident of indecency to women is especially embarrassing for the BJP and its government." "Although the law and order situation in the state has already deteriorated, will the BJP continue to protect such a chief minister?" she said in a tweet in Hindi. (PTI)

Opposition Congress Opposition today boycotted Maharashtra Assembly after Speaker Rahul Narvekar denied permission for a discussion on the Manipur incident.

All women legislators from the Opposition MVA staged a protest in the well of the House, demanding a discussion on the Manipur incident. They urged Assembly Speaker Narverk to allow them to speak over the issue. However, Narvekar denied permission stating that there was no advance notice for the discussion. 

Congress MLAs alleged that the Speaker is insensitive about the issue and in condemning the incident.

Hours after his arrest, the house of Huirem Herodas Meitei, the prime accused in the Manipur sexual assault video case, was Thursday set on fire by a group of women in his village.

The  32-year-old Herodas, hailing from Pechi Awang Leikai village, is the prime accused among the four people who were arrested for parading naked and sexually assaulting two women from the Kuki-Zomi community on May 4 in Thoubal district of Manipur. The identities of the other three are yet to be disclosed. (Read more)

It took a horrific video of at least two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a mob in Manipur for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the nearly three-month long ethnic violence in the state. On Thursday, PM Modi said “The Manipur incident is shameful for any civilised nation. The entire country has been shamed” and promised that the guilty would not be spared. The PM’s strong words will now be tested by the action taken on the ground.

And Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, expressed “deep concern” and said that “it’s time that the government really steps in and takes action because this is simply unacceptable”. Calling the incident “the grossest of constitutional and human rights violations”, the CJI also said “we will take action if nothing is happening on the ground”. The apex court’s expression of anguish and outrage is welcome. (Read more)

Days after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, four people -- including the prime accused in the case, Huirem Herodas Meitei -- have been arrested over their involvement in the case. Meitei's house was set on fire yesterday by the women folk of Petchi Village.

After learning about the arrest of Herodas, the women folk of Petchi village converged and headed to the accused house after a brief discussion among themselves. The group of women started vandalising the accused house and set it on fire. 

"Be it Meitei or other communities, as a woman, outraging a woman's dignity is not acceptable. We cannot allow such a person to be in our society. It's a shame to the entire Meitei community," said a Meira Paibi leader. 

A day after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, one of the victims told The Indian Express that they had been “left to the mob by the police”.

Two women, one in her 20s and the other in her 40s, can be seen being made to walk naked down a road and towards a field by a mob of men. Some of the men can be seen dragging the two women towards a field and forcibly groping them. In a police complaint that was filed on May 18, the victims had also alleged that the younger woman was “brutally gang raped in the broad daylight”.

In the complaint, they had said that they had fled to a forest for shelter after their village in Kangpokpi district, was attacked by a mob and that they were later rescued by Thoubal police and were being taken to the police station, but were stopped on the way by a mob and seized from police custody around two kilometres away from the police station. (Read more)

Esha Roy, Senior Assistant Editor of The Indian Express shares her experience on reporting from Manipur and talks to us on whether or not Manipur was unsafe for women always.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Thursday targeted the BJP government in Manipur after a video of two women being paraded naked in the state surfaced online and asked why it was not taking stern action against those behind such "horrific crimes".

In a tweet, Yadav said, "Why is the BJP government not taking any stern action against the perpetrators of horrific crimes against women in Manipur? Why is the BJP government a mere spectator to all the crimes against women? What is the mindset of the BJP towards the women of India? Why is the government silent on most of the important issues?" Earlier in the day, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said a thorough investigation is underway into the incident and strict action, including possible capital punishment, will follow. 

Why is the BJP government not taking any stern action against the perpetrators of horrific crimes against women in Manipur?

Why is the BJP government a mere spectator to all the crimes against women?

What is the mindset of the BJP towards the women of India?

Why is the…

— Dimple Yadav (@dimpleyadav) July 20, 2023

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said in the Lok Sabha session that the government is ready to discuss Manipur and Home Minister Amit Shah will discuss the matter in detail. 

After a video of two Manipur women being paraded naked by a mob and sexually assaulted sparked outrage, the Centre has asked Twitter and other social media platforms to take down the video. Tweets of some accounts that had shared the video have been withheld in India, in response to the government’s demand.

“Some links have been shared with social media companies to take down the video as it could further disrupt the law and order situation in the state,” a senior government official said, requesting anonymity.

The Centre has powers to issue content takedown orders to social media companies under Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. What is Section 69 (A), and what have different courts said about it? (Read more)

In the 62 days between a complaint being filed in connection with the sexual assault of two women in Manipur and a video of the incident coming to light, the FIR gathered dust at two police stations, even as the state saw several high-level meetings to discuss the security situation.

In fact, it took over a month for the FIR to be transferred to the relevant police station since the victims had fled their homes and had approached police in another district, The Indian Express has learnt. (Read more)

A day after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, four people have been arrested over their involvement in the case. Earlier in the day, the prime accused in the case, Huirem Herodas Meitei, was arrested while the police conducted search ops to nab the others.

Four main accused arrested in the Viral Video Case :

03 (three) more main accused of the heinous crime of abduction and gangrape under Nongpok Sekmai PS, Thoubal District have been arrested today. So total 04 (four) persons have been arrested till now.

1/2

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 20, 2023

Mizoram's apex women's organisation Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) on Thursday wrote a letter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) urging it to take immediate action over the incident of naked parading and molestation of two women in strife-torn Manipur.

"We are terribly shocked and saddened to witness this heart-wrenching incident in our civilised world and we find no words to express our pain and indignation," the letter read. While strongly condemning the incident, the MHIP urged the NHRC to take cognisance of the offence and take all necessary measures to ensure justice.

In a press statement, the All Mizoram Manipur Association (AMMA) said, "We strongly condemn such an inhuman act perpetrated by some miscreants in Manipur. This act of barbarism is unacceptable and we denounce it." The AMMA urged the Manipur government to take action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, several civil society organisations in Mizoram decided to stage state-wide demonstrations on July 25 against "atrocities meted out to the tribal community", a leader of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) said. (PTI)

A five-member Trinamool Congress delegation, which returned to Kolkata Thursday after a one-day visit to Manipur, called the situation in the state “terrible”. “What is happening is horrific and barbaric. One of the most horrific killings in post-Independent India is happening there and the BJP government has become a mute spectator. We were shocked to see the situation,” TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who was part of the delegation, said. Read More

A day after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that 2 people have already been arrested over their involvement in the case. Earlier in the day, the prime accused in the case, Huirem Herodas Meitei, was arrested while the police conducted search ops to nab the others.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had also visited Manipur last month to take stock of the situation, while reacting to the Prime Minister’s statement today outside the Parliament, said: “Prime Minister, the issue is not that it’s a shame for the country. The issue is the immense pain and trauma inflicted on the women of Manipur. Stop the violence immediately.”

Prime Minister, the issue is not that it’s a shame for the country.

The issue is the immense pain and trauma inflicted on the women of Manipur.

Stop the violence immediately.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2023

Communist Party of India MP Binoy Viswam attacked the government over the Manipur video that showed two women being paraded naked, and said it is time Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes out of “hibernation” and restore peace in the strife-torn state. In a letter to Modi, Viswam said the incident is a shameful blot on the entire country.

“It will only bring disgrace to our country when you are eagerly waiting to preside over the G-20 Summit. It is impossible to absolve the government of the responsibility of this barbaric crime. I urge you to come out of your hibernation on the Manipur issue and take appropriate steps to instill trust and confidence in the people of the border state," Viswam said.

He added that the video showing the two naked women being paraded by armed assailants in the state completely “exposes the absence of any semblance of law-and-order, respect for women or presence of government authority”.

"The video is months old but people who committed this heinous crime are roaming freely exposing the failure of the government. Your deafening silence on the Manipur issue has emboldened such unlawful elements who are ruling the roosts in Manipur under the so-called double-engine government of the BJP. "First the opposition and today the Supreme Court was compelled to respond to the Manipur crisis due to the painful inaction by your government,” he told in his letter to the PM.

“Respected Prime Minister, the insult, humiliation and agony the visuals from Manipur have caused to the women of country will not heal from mere slogans. The disgrace caused by the video for the entire country globally will not simply wash away,” he said. (PTI)

Hitting out at the Centre over the violence in Manipur, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that she was in talks with CMs of states ruled by non-BJP parties to send a delegation to the Northeastern state.

Speaking to reporters, she said "mothers and daughters" of the country are crying after seeing the May 4 video from Manipur that showed two women being paraded naked by a mob.

"This anarchy has to stop... It is due to Centre's policies that the country is burning," she said. "The video has been taken down from social media after being forced by the government. But the fact is already so many people have witnessed the barbarism. I.N.D.I.A stands united against this injustice and will fight against it," Banerjee added.

#WATCH | "Our heart is burning, it is crying...It is a sin, it is disgraceful. India is fighting a battle against atrocities on women, Dalit, minorities, SCs and OBCs. India stands for Manipur," says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Manipur viral video. pic.twitter.com/fxY0JisacO

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2023

The Opposition parties have submitted a notice to discuss the Manipur issue under Rule 193 in the Lok Sabha. Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition has submitted a notice under Rule 176 and Rule 267 to discuss the matter. The government has agreed to discuss the matter in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, while reacting to the situation in Manipur, said: “I can't believe that this type of incident has happened in my state. I want to know why no action has been taken on the complaint of the women? I called the DGP of my state today. Never in future should any person have the courage to commit these types of crimes against women.”

American singer Mary Millben, who was seen touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet during his visit to the US last month, thanked him for speaking out on the situation in Manipur. “My heart grieves for the women assaulted in #Manipur. Thank you PM @narendramodi for publicly addressing this inhuman behavior. These women are not only daughters of #India, they are children of God. Human dignity matters to us all. I’m praying for these precious women and for swift justice,” Millben tweeted.

My heart grieves for the women assaulted in #Manipur. Thank you PM @narendramodi for publicly addressing this inhuman behavior. These women are not only daughters of #India, they are children of God. Human dignity matters to us all. I’m praying for these precious women and for…

— Mary Millben (@MaryMillben) July 20, 2023

With the Manipur sexual violence incident dominating the proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon session of Parliament, Congress chief and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday demanded President’s Rule in the BJP-ruled Manipur, which has been roiled by ethnic conflict since early May.

Floor leaders of various Opposition parties met at Kharge’s chamber, following which a united Opposition demanded a suo motu statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament. “Manipur is burning. Women are being raped, paraded naked. But the Prime minister is keeping quiet. He is giving a statement outside. We want a detailed discussion on Manipur and PM Modi should make an elaborate statement on the same in the House,” Kharge stated in the Rajya Sabha. Read More

It took a horrific video of at least two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a mob in Manipur for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the nearly three-month long ethnic violence in the state. On Thursday, PM Modi said “The Manipur incident is shameful for any civilised nation. The entire country has been shamed” and promised that the guilty would not be spared. The PM’s strong words will now be tested by the action taken on the ground. And Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, expressed “deep concern” and said that “it’s time that the government really steps in and takes action because this is simply unacceptable”. Calling the incident “the grossest of constitutional and human rights violations”, the CJI also said “we will take action if nothing is happening on the ground”. The apex court’s expression of anguish and outrage is welcome. Read More

#WATCH | "You (BJP) are only for one-party rule...India stands for Manipur. I have asked for permission to visit Manipur but haven't received it. Some of the CMs of different states want to visit Manipur," says West Bengal CM & TMC leader, Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/jv6zlkSXeQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2023

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said the video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur has shaken the conscience of the nation, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action to restore peace in the state.

"It has often been seen that PM Modi is quiet on such incidents. It is the sign of a weak leader. A courageous leader comes out in the front. It doesn't happen that they shut themselves in a room. Se has been silent (on the issue),” the AAP chief said.

"The video that went viral has shaken the conscience of nation. It is criminal and extremely shameful that there has been violence in the state for more than two months but the government did not take any action. It is with extreme sadness that I have to say that Manipur (government) and Centre are responsible for this,” he said.

Kejriwal also slammed the state government over the incident. "Now that the video went viral only one person has been arrested. The faces of the accused are visible. This shows government's criminal conspiracy, negligence and collusion," he alleged.

When asked about the growing echo for Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation, he said, "For me, the first priority is to restore peace in the state in whatever way possible. I don't want to do politics over it since it's a very sensitive matter. The prime minister has to come forward to take responsibility. Strict steps have to be taken." Police said a case of abduction, gang rape and murder has been registered at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unknown armed persons.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Thursday demanded resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the wake of the incident in which two women were paraded naked and molested in that state.

JMM spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey claimed that the party would expose the "mindset and character" of the BJP with demonstrations against the incident. “The chief minister (of Manipur) should resign immediately. Our party will hold demonstrations, burn effigies of the central and Manipur governments across the state,” Pandey said.

Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur in a social media post said that the incident in Manipur is embarrassing for the whole country. "Hatred is at its peak,” he said demanding imposition of President's rule in Manipur without delay.

The women's wing of the state Congress also demanded the Manipur chief minister's resignation. "The horrific incident has shamed the entire nation. The Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh should resign immediately,” state women's Congress president Gunjan Sinha said. (PTI)

A day after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, Manipur Police have arrested one person. He was tracked based on the video which was circulated. He has been identified as Huirem Herodas Meitei (32), a resident of Awang Leikai, under the jurisdiction of Nongpok Sekmai Police Station. (From Sukrita Baruah)

After a video of two Manipur women being paraded naked by a mob and sexually assaulted sparked outrage, the Centre has asked Twitter and other social media platforms to take down the video. Tweets of some accounts that had shared the video have been withheld in India, in response to the government’s demand.

The Centre has powers to issue content takedown orders to social media companies under Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. What is Section 69 (A), and what have different courts said about it? Read More

When I saw the video of the public, brutal and utterly shameful assault on two women in Manipur, I broke down. Nothing can excuse or justify the sheer inhumanity of what took place. The incident also brings to the fore some deeper issues.

In Manipur, women have had an important symbolic role in public life and protests – whether it is the Imas of Ima Keithel (the women’s market) or Meira Paibis or even the women who led the Nupi Lal (Women’s War) against the British. However, the lived reality on the ground is different, and women in the state are subject to deep oppression. Read More

A day after a video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur surfaced, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while condemning the violence, said that everyone must stand united.

“Heartbroken and outraged to witness the horrific video from Manipur showing the brutal treatment of two women by a frenzied mob. No words can express the pain and anguish of witnessing the violence inflicted on marginalized women. This act of barbarism is beyond comprehension and humanity. We must stand united in condemning such inhumane actions by the miscreants & bring justice to the victims,” she tweeted.

A day after a video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur surfaced, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday described the incident as 'demeaning'.

In a tweet, Sangma who is also the president of the National People's Party demanded the harshest punishment for the perpetrators of the crime. “Extremely disturbed by the recent incident in Manipur. Stripping any human of their dignity is the most demeaning and inhumane act. I strongly condemn such actions. Guilty should be given the harshest punishment,” Sangma said.

The Trinamool Congress has slammed the BJP governments at the Centre and in Manipur, condemning their handling of the ongoing ethnic strife in the northeastern state, and said the "most horrific and barbaric" incidents in independent India are happening there.

The TMC also alleged that the saffron camp made attempts to "hush up" the incident of two women being paraded naked in the northeastern state.

"Manipur BJP CM @NBirenSingh claims he found out about the sexual assault on 2 Kuki-Zo women "just now". Manipur Police says FIR was filed when the incident happened 2.5 months ago on May 4. Do DGP Manipur & CM not communicate with each other on serious law & order issues? Or, more likely, the BJP CM wanted to brush this incident under the carpet & has now been caught when the video came out on social media. Shame!" TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale said on Twitter.

Another senior TMC leader and spokesperson Biswajit Deb said the country wants to know what stopped Prime Minister Narendra Modi from visiting the violence-hit Manipur.

"Shameless BJP! Shameless Manipur Government! Where are the central forces now? Where are fact-finding teams? The people of India will give BJP a befitting reply through the ballot. What has stopped the Prime Minister from visiting Manipur? The country wants to know." Deb wrote on Twitter. (PTI)

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, while condemning the violence that rages in Manipur, said that silence is not an option and that it is incumbent upon the Manipur and Central governments to ensure ways to bring back peace.

“Brutal violence in Manipur not only affect the neighbouring state but even the whole country. Situations seem to have worsened! I was really shocked and shaken to see the video that goes viral,” the CM tweeted. He added: “SILENCE is not an OPTION! I would like to call for immediate restoration of peace and normalcy. It is incumbent and imperative upon the Manipur Govt. and the Central Govt. to look for immediate ways for peace restoration.”

Brutal violence in Manipur not only affect the neighbouring state but even the whole country. Situations seem to have worsened!

I was really shocked and shaken to see the video that goes viral. The shocking video of the sexual assault of our two Vaiphei women in Manipur is…

— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) July 20, 2023

NPF MP R Lorho S Pfoze, reacting to the situation in Manipur, said: “The state machinery has failed and he (CM N Biren Singh) should take responsibility. He should morally resign or he should be sacked.” NPF is ally of BJP government in Manipur.

VIDEO | "The state machinery has failed and he (CM N Biren Singh) should take responsibility. He should morally resign or he should be sacked," says Outer Manipur MP R Lorho S Pfoze on Manipur situation. pic.twitter.com/YJf8Z8DLPK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 20, 2023

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has formally directed Twitter to take down the viral video showing two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked by a mob of men and being sexually assaulted. “This video compromises the victims' identities and is a punishable offence,” NCW said in a statement.

The Centre has asked Twitter and other social media platforms to take down the viral video showing two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked by a mob of men and being sexually assaulted. Tweets of some accounts that shared the video have been withheld in India, in response to the government’s demand.

“Some links have been shared with social media companies to take down the video as it could further disrupt the law and order situation in the state,” a senior government official said, requesting anonymity. The Centre has powers to issue content takedown orders to social media companies under Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The orders are kept confidential. Read More

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement Thursday condemning the incident involving two women in Manipur, who were caught on video being paraded naked by a mob, also drew flak from the Opposition, which questioned his “silence” on the crisis in the state and his “sidestepping” of the “ethnic conflict” in Manipur.

The Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, said in a tweet: “After more than 1800 hours of an incomprehensible and unforgivable silence, the Prime Minister finally spoke on Manipur for a sum total of 30 seconds. After which, the PM tried to divert attention from the colossal governance failures and the humanitarian tragedy in Manipur by equating crimes against women in other states, especially those governed by the Opposition, while ignoring atrocities on women in states like MP, UP and Gujarat.” Read More

A day after a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur surfaced, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that his government will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.

“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,” the CM tweeted.

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…

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 20, 2023

Good afternoon and welcome to our Live Blog. We bring to you the latest updates from Manipur as the state reels under protests over a video of two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked and sexually assaulted. Keep following this space for the latest news.