Will take action if government doesn't: SC on Manipur video
The Supreme Court on Thursday took suo moto cognizance of a video from strife-torn Manipur that allegedly shows a mob parading two Kuki women naked. The apex court directed the Centre and the Manipur government to take immediate action and said it will act if there's no improvement in the ground situation. It scheduled the next hearing in the matter for Friday next week.
Why does this story matter?
Manipur has been witnessing violent ethnic clashes for more than two months. The Meitei community forms the state's majority and has been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, which is being opposed by the state's tribal groups. Thousands of people have been displaced as hundreds of villages have been burned down, while scores of people have been killed in the clashes, including security personnel.
Grossest of human rights violation: SC
The SC said it is deeply disturbed over the video, which reportedly emerged from Kangpokpi district. Chief Justice (CJI) DY Chandrachud said, "Using women as instruments in an area of communal strife to inflict gender violence is deeply deeply disturbing. It's the grossest of human rights violation." He added, "Who knows whether it was isolated or if there is a pattern."
PM Modi breaks silence on Manipur
In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who refrained from speaking on the situation for months, finally broke his silence on Thursday. He said, "The incident of Manipur which has come to the fore is shameful for any civilization. The country is shamed." He added, "I appeal to all chief ministers to strengthen laws to take stringent action against crime, especially against women."
One accused arrested, government likely to act against Twitter
An accused, identified as Heeradas (32), was arrested from Thoubal district in connection with the incident. Chief Minister N Biren Singh informed about the arrest and said that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators, including capital punishment. The government is likely to act against Twitter over the video's circulation as it "could lead to problems in law and order," NDTV reported.
