Guwahati: Both the Kuki women who were subjected to the harrowing parading incident in Manipur claimed that the police were present at the scene but failed to intervene or help them.
One of the survivors said that Manipur Police were present during the disturbing ordeal but did not extend any assistance to them.
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The second survivor corroborated the claim, stating that she witnessed four policemen in a car who merely observed the violence unfold without taking any action to aid them.
It was not just the abuse and assault on the women, one survivor’s father and brother lost their lives in the mob attack.
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The incident, which occurred on May 4 in Kangpokpi, took place amidst escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the state.
The survivors recounted that prior to the attack, residents of B Phainom village in Kangpokpi were warned by their Meitei neighbours about an impending Meitei mob’s approach.
The Kuki villagers attempted to flee the village, but the families of the two women captured in the video were unable to escape and fell victim to the mob’s brutality.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi says his heart is “full of pain” over video of women paraded naked in Manipur
The official complaint lodged with the police revealed that the Meitei mob was armed with sophisticated weapons during the attack.
Recalling the horrifying experience, one of the survivors stated that the attackers took them to a secluded area, where they were surrounded and subjected to brutal torture.
She recounted one of the assailants calling for more individuals to join in the torture.
Amidst the horror, the survivor acknowledged that some members of the Meitei community did try to help them.
While some urged them to remove their clothes, there were also individuals who genuinely wanted to protect and save them from further harm.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, Manipur has been under an internet shutdown since May 3.
This may have been the reason of the delay in the video’s circulation on social media platforms.
While the incident had taken two months ago, their had been not much word from the Prime Minister of India regarding the entire situation in Manipur.
But, following the video going viral and the start of the monsoon session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first statement.
He said that 140 crore Indians were put to shame by the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address expressed deep “anguish” and promised that the culprits would face the full force of the law.
PM Modi said that his heart has been “full of pain and anger” following the incident.
“What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven”, he added.
The PM further assured that justice would prevail and no guilty party involved in this heinous crime would be spared.
He also urged all the Chief Ministers in the country to ensure that law & order is strictly maintained in their states.
It may be mentioned that on Thursday, the main accused, identified as Heradas (32), was arrested in Thoubal district.
He was traced based on the viral video in which he was seen wearing a green T-shirt.