PM Modi breaks his silence on Manipur after shocking video surfaces on social media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally broken his silence on the situation in Manipur, 78 days after first incident was reported on May 3. A shocking video that surfaced on Wednesday had triggered nationwide outrage, condemnation and demand for the PM’s statement on the floor of the house.  

"My heart is filled with pain and anger. The incident from Manipur that has come before us is shameful for any civilized society. I urge all the CMs to further strengthen law and order in their states - especially for the security of women and take the strongest measures”, said PM Narendra Modi. The PM condemned the shameful incident and said that the crime committed against the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. He further assured the nation and said that the law will take its course and no guilty will be spared.

The Prime Minister’s statement is termed too little and too late by the opposition and barely cut any ice as the opposition staged massive protests in both the upper house and the lower house on the first day of the monsoon session. “INDIA will not stay silent while the idea of India is being attacked in Manipur. We stand with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way forward”, said senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

A video of a mob parading and groping two naked Kuki-Zomi women on the road went viral on social media. Manipur police had taken suo-motu cognizance and filed a case against the unknown armed miscreants. The FIR revealed that the viral video was shot at the B Phainom village on May 4. The FIR was filed on May 18, and the first arrest was made on July 20, two and a half months after the occurrence of the incident.

The minister of women and child development of India, Smriti Irani condemned the horrific incident and said, “The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Investigation is currently underway & assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice.”

“My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment”, said Manipur CM N. Biren Singh. The CM has made it clear that there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in the society.

The viral video that has made several rounds on social media has garnered massive social media outrage from various sections of the society. The Indian government has issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the viral video of the two women, as the matter is currently under investigation.

The incident occurred on May 4, a day after the ethnic clashes broke out in the state, the FIR was filed on May 18, however, the first arrest was made only on July 20, after the video surfaced, two and a half months after the occurrence of the incident. The opposition questions if this shows lack of intent on the Government’s behalf.