Guwahati: A day after the “disturbing” video of two Kuki women being paraded in Manipur by a mob went viral, the Supreme Court of India has strongly denounced it labelling it a “gross constitutional failure”.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on Thursday called upon the government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of women in the region and requested regular updates on the steps being taken.
Warning of the court’s intervention if the government fails to act, the Chief Justice set a date of July 28 to take up the case.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi says his heart is “full of pain” over video of women paraded naked in Manipur
Expressing profound concern over the horrifying visuals that have sparked widespread condemnation and demands for justice, Chief Justice Chandrachud stated that the situation is entirely unacceptable.
He further stressed that the court must be apprised of the actions taken by the government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice for their violent actions.
According to a statement released by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the incident took place on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, located approximately 35 km from the state capital, Imphal.
Describing the appalling scene, the ITLF stated, “…The despicable scene, which unfolded on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, shows the men constantly molesting the defenseless women, who cry and plead with their captors.” The ITLF also highlighted the additional trauma caused by the perpetrators’ decision to share the video, which exposed the victims’ identities, on social media.
However, the Manipur police stated that the incident occurred in a different district, although the first information report (FIR) was filed in Kangpokpi.
It may further be mentioned that after 77 days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement on the ongoing Manipur violence stating that 140 crore Indians were put to shame by the incident.
While the incident is nearly two months old, the Prime Minister made a statement only after the video of the victims surfaced online.
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.