Authorities in India have apprehended four individuals in connection with the shocking assault of two women who were paraded naked and subjected to sexual violence by a mob in Manipur state. The disturbing incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage.
Manipur police confirmed the arrests, characterizing the acts as "heinous crimes of abduction and gang rape." The assaults reportedly occurred on May 4th, following the eruption of deadly ethnic clashes in the region. A police complaint lodged on May 18th details the attack on the women's family, which resulted in the death of two male family members. The complaint alleges both rape and murder by unidentified perpetrators.
The graphic video depicts the two women surrounded by a large group of men who grope and molest them before dragging them into a field. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the incident, expressing his anguish and anger, and assuring that the perpetrators would face justice. He emphasized the shame this incident brings to any civilized nation and called upon state leaders to prioritize women's safety.
This horrific event unfolds against the backdrop of escalating ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has claimed over 130 lives since May. The violence stems from a dispute over affirmative action policies, with the Christian Kuki community protesting demands from the predominantly Hindu Meitei community for special status that would grant them land rights in Kuki-populated hill areas and a greater share of government jobs.
Despite military presence in the state, clashes continue, with armed militias forming and gunfire echoing through isolated villages. Over 60,000 individuals have sought refuge in overcrowded relief camps. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum has identified the assaulted women as members of the Kuki-Zo community. One of the survivors recounted the harrowing ordeal to the Associated Press, stating that the attackers, part of a Meitei mob, had previously burned down their village.
She described being forced to disrobe under threat of death, then being paraded naked, subjected to abuse and molestation. Both women were subsequently sexually assaulted in a field. They are currently safe in a refugee camp.
The European Parliament recently passed a resolution urging Indian authorities to quell the violence in Manipur and safeguard religious minorities, particularly Christians. The Indian foreign ministry rejected the resolution, labeling it as interference in the country's internal affairs.
