Imphal: Amid growing anger and public outcry over the circulation of a May 4 video on social media, which shows two Manipur women from one warring community paraded naked by some men from the other side, the state government has made its first arrest in the case. Sharing more details, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “Last night around 1.30 am, we arrested the main culprit.” Speaking to ANI, Manipur Chief Minister said, “It is an inhuman act…so we have immediately condemned it…we have directed the police to act immediately and arrest the culprits.”
“Every man and every human being will condemn this act,” Singh said. They said they would seek punishment of the perpetrators “to the maximum extent possible”.
“When I saw the video and was really shocked after watching it. I inquired about the incident, it happened on 4th May…But this video got leaked after 40 days. I asked for massive search operation …and just last night we arrested one.” The man is involved,” said the Manipur chief minister.
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Earlier in a tweet, CM N Biren Das had said that strict action will be taken against all the culprits, in which the possibility of death penalty will also be considered. “Taking suo motu cognizance of the incident soon after the video surfaced, Manipur Police swung into action and made the first arrest this morning. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure that strict action is taken against all perpetrators.” Including considering the possibility of capital punishment,” tweeted the Manipur Chief Minister.
He tweeted, “Know, there is no place for such heinous acts in our society.”
What happened in Manipur on 4th May?
According to a senior police officer, the shocking and shameful incident took place in Manipur’s Thoubal district on May 4 and a case of kidnapping, gang rape and murder has been registered in the matter. Superintendent of Police (SP) K Meghchandra Singh said in a statement on July 19: “With regard to the video of 2 (two) women being paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May 2023, at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station (Thoubal District) A case of kidnapping, gang rape and murder was registered against the armed miscreants.”
No one will be spared: PM Modi
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning said he was saddened by the incident and said the incident was “shameful for any civil society.” The Prime Minister said, “No accused will be spared, we will never forgive those who are behind this.”
Speaking to reporters ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament today, PM Modi said, “It is a shameful incident for any society. Who did it and who is responsible is a separate issue but it has brought shame to our country. I appeal to all chief ministers to tighten law and order. Be it Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur…the issue of a woman’s honor is above all politics.”
manipur violence
Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3 following protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against a High Court order asking the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Only ST can buy land in hilly areas.
The majority Meitei community living in the Imphal Valley and surrounding areas sought ST status keeping in view their growing population and increasing need for land so that they could buy land in hilly areas.