Modi Addresses Disturbing Sexual Assault Video in Manipur: Taking a Stand Against Violence

Indian PM Narendra Modi Breaks Silence on Manipur Ethnic Conflict

Introduction

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has finally addressed the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state of Manipur after a shocking video emerged. The footage depicts the striping, assault, and alleged gang rape of two women from the minority Kuki tribe by a mob from the majority Meitei tribal group. This incident, which occurred in May, sparked outrage across the country and raised concerns about Modi‘s silence on the escalating conflict, which has claimed the lives of more than 140 people.

The Video Sparks Outrage

The video, which went viral, showed the horrifying ordeal that the Kuki women endured at the hands of the Meitei mob. They were forcibly stripped, groped, and dragged to a field where it is alleged they were gang raped. The incident, which was reported to the police soon after it occurred, only resulted in an arrest once the video gained widespread attention. One of the victims even accused the police of leaving the women in the hands of the mob.

Modi‘s Response

After months of criticism for his silence on the matter, Modi finally addressed the conflict during the opening session of parliament. He condemned the attack on the women and vowed that no guilty individuals would be spared. He acknowledged that the incident had shamed the entire country and expressed his pain and anger. However, his delayed response has drawn further criticism, as the conflict has been ongoing for months, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of villages.

Escalating Ethnic Conflict

The conflict in Manipur is a long-standing battle between the Meitei and Kuki tribes. The state is now essentially divided along ethnic lines, with the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki community controlling the hills. Both sides have formed civilian forces and armed clashes have become increasingly violent, leading to a state of near-civil war. The Kuki minority is now demanding an independent state, further exacerbating the tensions in the region. Thousands of Indian armed forces have been deployed to maintain calm, but the situation remains precarious.

The Trauma of the Victims

The victim in the video spoke to The Guardian about the traumatic events she endured. She recounted how they were fleeing from their village, which had been looted and set on fire by a Meitei mob when they were attacked by another group. They were forced to remove their clothes and were subjected to groping. The women were then taken to a field, where the ordeal continued. The victim expressed her deep trauma and emphasized the need for justice.

Criticism of Government Inaction

The release of the video prompted widespread condemnation, including from India’s Supreme Court. The Chief Justice, Dhananjaya Chandrachud, criticized the government for their failure to bring the situation under control. He called on the government to take immediate action, warning that the Supreme Court would intervene if necessary. Other ministers in Modi‘s government also condemned the incident as inhuman and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, activists from Manipur criticized the fact that it took a shocking video for the government and the public to pay attention to the ongoing conflict in the state.

Conclusion

The response to the ethnic conflict in Manipur highlights deep-rooted issues of violence, discrimination, and government neglect in India. The incident of sexual assault and the subsequent response from the government shed light on the urgent need to address these issues and provide justice to the victims. The Indian government must take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity. The conflict in Manipur should serve as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize peace-building efforts and invest in long-term solutions for ethnic harmony in the country.