Manipur Violence: In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on May 5 in Manipur’s Kangpokpi area, two young women, aged 21 and 24, were brutally murdered after allegedly being gang-raped by a mob. The victims, who hailed from the same village in Manipur, worked at a car wash facility in Imphal to support their families. Their lives were tragically cut short in a horrifying act of violence that has shocked the nation.
The Victims and Their Ordeal:
The mother of one of the victims, belonging to the tribal community, spoke about the anguish she and her family have been enduring since the incident. Her daughter, who used to live in a rented apartment in Imphal with another woman from the same village, worked diligently to support her siblings. However, after ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, the mother lost contact with her daughter during Manipur violence.
In a harrowing account, the mother revealed that she repeatedly called her daughter during the clashes but received no response. Instead, a Meitei woman answered the phone and callously taunted her, asking if she wanted her daughter alive or dead before abruptly hanging up. This shocking phone call was the first indication of the horrifying fate that awaited the two women.
After the clashes subsided, it became evident that the two victims had been abducted, gang-raped, and ultimately murdered by the mob during Manipur violence. The news of their deaths further exacerbated the situation, as their village was attacked and burned, forcing the family to seek refuge in the forest and eventually relocate to a relief camp.
The Search for Justice in Manipur Violence:
Following the incident, the mother lodged a complaint at the Saikul Police Station on May 5. However, the FIR was only registered by the police on May 16, leading to questions about the promptness of the authorities in addressing such heinous crimes. The FIR reveals that the miscreants, allegedly members of various organizations, including the Meitei Youth Organisation, have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, rape, and kidnapping.
Unfortunately, the grieving family has not received any information about the progress of the case or the actions taken by the police and other authorities. The lack of communication and updates from the authorities has added to their distress and sense of helplessness.
Escalating Ethnic Tensions:
The incident took place amid escalating ethnic tensions in Manipur. The state has a diverse population, with Meiteis comprising about 53% of the people residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, and tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constituting around 40% of the population, primarily residing in the hill districts.
The violence initially started on May 3 when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, over 150 lives have been lost, and many others have been injured in the unrest.
Chief Minister’s Controversial Remark:
Amid growing outrage and demands for justice, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh made a controversial statement, asserting that there was only one reported case of rape among the more than 6,000 FIRs registered across the state for various crimes. His statement drew criticism and disbelief, considering the gravity of the incident and the emerging evidence of sexual assaults during the unrest due to Manipur violence.
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Conclusion:
The tragic incident in Manipur, where two young women lost their lives in a gruesome act of violence, has sparked outrage and highlighted the urgent need for justice and security for vulnerable communities. It is imperative for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and provide support and compassion to the victims’ families during this incredibly difficult time. Additionally, promoting dialogue, understanding, and empathy among different communities is essential to foster lasting peace and harmony in Manipur. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to justice can we hope to prevent such heinous acts and build a safer and more inclusive society for all.
