The image that raised India: They stripped and dragged naked women

In the state of Manipur, which has been the scene of violence recently, the image shared on social networks of a group of gang members harassing two women dragging them naked shocked the country.

According to the BBC news, in the statement made by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) regarding the images that were reflected on social networks and caused reactions, it was indicated that the gang set fire to a village in the Kangpokpi region and beat two people to death. The statement emphasized that the gang members “group raped” two women who were identified as belonging to the Kuki-Zo ethnic group.

MASS RAPE INVESTIGATION BEGINS

The police also announced that the incident took place on May 4 and that an incident of kidnapping and gang rape was reported at that time in the Thoubal region. After video of two women being dragged naked into a field appeared on the agenda yesterday, police opened a gang rape file on the subject and arrested one person.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a speech in parliament that the incident “shamed India” and said that “what happened to the children of Manipur can never be forgiven.”

Many people have lost their lives in the recent clashes in Manipur.

The government asked social media companies to remove the video in question from all platforms. Manipur State Chief Minister N Biren Singh also announced on Twitter that a detailed investigation has been launched into the incident and “serious legal action will be launched, bearing in mind the death penalty”, against all perpetrators.

BROKEN ETHNIC CONFLICT

While the Meitei community, which makes up 53 percent of the state’s population, organizes demonstrations claiming that it is not included in the “registered tribe” category, objections from groups, including the Kuki, which make up about 30 percent of the population, lead to violence.

Demonstrations had been the scene of violence since May 3. As a result of the violence in Manipur, where soldiers were ordered to “fire” on May 4, approximately 130 people lost their lives and 60,000 people were displaced.

Communities in the ‘scheduled tribe’ category in India have opportunities such as political representation, places in schools and civil service. The Meitei, who are not allowed by law to settle in mountainous areas, say they face difficulties due to the growing population of migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh in the state. (AA)