Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and anger on Thursday over the incident of women being paraded naked in Manipur, stating that it had brought shame to all 140 crore Indians and could never be forgiven. This comes as a two-month-old video of the appalling act emerged, sparking nationwide shock and outrage.
During his address ahead of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, PM Modi assured the nation that the law would take stringent action, and those responsible for the heinous act would not be spared. This marks his first remarks on the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has persisted for over two months.
Emphasizing the need to protect women’s safety, PM Modi urged all chief ministers to strengthen law and order in their respective states. He appealed to leaders across party lines to rise above politics in safeguarding the women of India, regardless of the state they reside in.
The incident in question occurred on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, and a video of two women being paraded naked emerged on the internet recently, leading to massive public outcry. The main accused, identified as Heradas (32), was arrested in Thoubal district on Wednesday night.
In response to the video’s circulation on social media, the Centre issued orders to platforms like Twitter, instructing them not to share the video to comply with Indian laws while the matter remains under investigation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened, speaking to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and urging him to take swift action against all those involved in the incident.
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, expressed serious concern over the incident and demanded immediate action from the government. A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud directed the Centre and the state government to provide updates on the steps taken to address the situation.
The ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed over 120 lives in the past two months, prompting the Congress to demand a parliamentary discussion on the situation. As the nation stands united in denouncing this horrific act, authorities are working to bring justice to the victims and restore peace in the troubled region.