The infamous viral video showing two women completely stripped off their clothes, sexually assaulted and paraded naked in broad daylight in full public view by a large mob that shocked the world and shamed the nation continued to draw condemnation from all corners.
The North East Peoples’ Organisation (NEPO) on Friday condemned the horrifying incident and urged the government to immediately initiate a Judicial Inquiry to legitimately resolve the issue under law of the land by encompassing proper understanding of the cause of the violation and the status of the video clip.
NEPO, in a release, said the inhuman attitudes shown towards the two helpless women should be taken as a crime committed by a few miscreants, who must be awarded severe punishments, and the entire Meitei community should not be blamed for it.
It also appealed to both the warring communities to immediately stop indulging in lingering violent attacks and counter-attacks, uploading hate speeches and videos that can quantify the violence more.
NEPO firmly stands against unruly actions like deprivation of civilian rights particularly dehumanization of women and children, even if it comes up during intensive violent conflicting situations, it stated.
The United NGO Mission Manipur, Women Committee also condemned the incident with its member Mangsatabam Sobita telling the media at UNMM office that they are deeply shocked by the incident.
“We all need to recall and remember how Manorama was brutally raped and murdered,” she said.
The question is how this all could be organised when 60,000 central troops have been deployed since the first of May 2023. What are they doing, she questioned.
“We humbly appeal and urge the government of India specially the PM of India to take urgent action against crime against humanity”, Sobita said.
The All Manipur Tribals Development Grievances Forum (AMTDGF) also strongly condemned the barbaric act committed on the two women on May 4, 2023 under Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district.
AMTDGF, in a release on Friday, said that it is one of the rarest of heinous crimes committed in a civilized society. The perpetrators of the crime whoever may be, or any organisations or community shall not be spared.
It may also be mentioned that the state government should be held accountable for the crime and inaction of the chief minister of Manipur and the concerned police station where no action has been taken. It is unfortunate that the barbaric crime came to light only after the video went viral, it added.
“India is one of the largest democracy in the world and that India's diversity and pluralistic society has been appreciated by the world. But the barbaric incident in Manipur has shamed India,” the release mentioned.
It also demanded capital punishment be awarded to the accused. And Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh who holds the home portfolios should be held responsible and accountable and must tender his resignation on moral ground, it said.
The High Court Bar Association, Manipur also expressed its strongest condemnation of the crime and termed it a heinous crime against humanity and in gross violation of human rights.
Further, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Manipur Upa Prant, in a release, appealed to the government to book the culprits immediately and befitting punishment be given to them so that no such unwanted act is repeated in future.
The All Manipur Ethnical Socio-cultural Organisation (AMESCO) also condemned the naked parade which demoralised the modesty and dignity of women.
Committing such hideous crime when the whole world is empowering women is unfortunate, said AMESCO in a release, appealing all to abstain from committing such crime.
