Manipur Violence 2023: Recent events in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur have prompted widespread outrage. The 19th of July 2023 saw the release of a disturbing video depicting a mob parading two nude tribal women amid violent ethnic clashes in the region.
The police acted promptly in response to this heinous crime, arresting a man in connection with the incident and assuring the public that other suspects will be apprehended shortly. Due to the gravity of the situation, legislators in Delhi’s parliament disrupted the session and demanded a debate on this troubling matter. Let’s examine in depth the nature of this inhumane and heartbreaking incident.
Manipur Violence in 2023: What is the nature of the incident?
On 3 May 2023, a violent conflict erupted in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur, pitting the Meitei people, predominantly from the Imphal Valley, against the tribal communities from the surrounding hills, including the Kuki people. As of July 4th, 142 people have been killed and more than 300 have been injured as a consequence of the fighting. Tragically, as of the same date, approximately 54,488 people have been internally displaced due to the violence.
The central issue revolves around the Meitei people’s long-standing demand to be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe under the Indian Constitution, which would grant them the same rights as other tribal communities. Some tribal communities protested against the Meitei demand in response to a directive from the Manipur High Court to the state administration to reach a decision within four weeks.
Conflicts broke out between the Meitei and Kuki populations in the Churachandpur district, adjacent to the Imphal Valley, as a result of these tensions. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces deployed approximately 10,000 personnel to restore order. In response to the escalating situation, the authorities suspended internet services for five days and enacted Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits unlawful assemblies that could disrupt the peace. The Indian troops were given “shoot on sight” orders in extreme circumstances to enforce the curfew.
To address the violence and its root causes, a panel led by a retired Chief Justice will undertake an investigation, and a peace committee comprised of members of civil society will be formed under the direction of the Governor and security advisor Kuldeep Singh. In addition, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will investigate six cases involving conspiracies to assure an impartial investigation into the causes.
Nonetheless, the situation deteriorated on July 19, when a video depicting two Kuki women being publicly degraded and sexually assaulted by apparently young Meitei men went viral. Due to the internet prohibition in Manipur, the release of this video was pushed back by over two months. In the face of the violent throng, one of the victims reported feeling abandoned by the police.
In summation, the origin of the conflict was the Meitei people’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which led to clashes between communities in Manipur. Authorities responded by deploying security forces and launching investigations, but a disquieting act of violence against Kuki women exacerbated the situation.
What caused the loss of human life in the state of Manipur in the year 2023?
An attack on women occurred nearly three months ago, but it was not made public until Thursday, when a video of the incident went viral on Twitter. According to the police report, one of the women was subjected to a gang rape, and a third woman was reportedly forced to strip but was not documented on video.
The upsetting Manipur incident news or video clearly depicts the assailants’ features as they harass and physically assault the women. Currently, there have been two arrests for alleged gang rape.
According to The Print, the video depicts a distressing incident of sexual violence that occurred in the wake of the dissemination of false information about the rape and murder of a Meitei woman. According to the report, this false information sparked a dangerous chain of retaliatory violence against Kuki tribal women, purportedly perpetrated by Meitei mobs.
Tragically, rape has been used as a weapon during conflicts throughout history.
The authorities’ apparent indifference exacerbates the predicament. The incident in Manipur occurred on May 4, 2023, when two men and three women from the Kuki tribe sought refuge in a forest to avoid the violence in the Kangpokpi district. A police complaint filed by a relative of one of the women reveals that the police team initially rescued the women before being ambushed by a hostile throng that forcibly abducted the villagers.
According to the complaint, the mob mercilessly murdered the two men and forced the women to engage in a horrifying act by stripping them naked. Tragically, a 21-year-old woman was the victim of a vicious daylight gang rape, while the other two perpetrators managed to flee the scene.
Manipur Violence 2023 incident: Government’s response
After a lengthy period of silence, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Manipur Violence situation on Thursday. Mentioning the video, he stated, “The incident in Manipur is a disgrace to any respectable society. My spirit is filled with sorrow and rage.” He added, “I assure the nation that no guilty party will be spared.” The law will be executed with all of its power. What happened to Manipur’s daughters can never be absolved.”
The incident has sparked riots in Manipur and has raised numerous concerns about the state government. N Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur, condemned the incident as a “crime against humanity” with vehemence. The state government promptly launched an investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The video provoked widespread outrage among opposition parties, civil society, and prominent national leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, expressing grave concern over the situation in Manipur and stating, “INDIA will not remain silent while the concept of India is attacked in Manipur.” Through a tweet, he voiced his concern, stating, “PM’s reticence and inaction has led to anarchy in Manipur… We stand with the Manipuri people. “Peace is the only viable path forward.”
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) urged citizens to condemn the abhorrent act but discouraged them from sharing the distressing images. Notable leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, urged the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action in response to the escalating violence and injustice in Manipur.
What is the underlying cause of the 2023 unrest in Manipur?
Manipur has struggled for an extended time with enduring ethnic tensions between the Meiteis and Kukis, which primarily coalesce around contentious resource allocations, political representation, and identity recognition. This protracted conflict has had profound effects on the peace and security of the region, aggravating the situation and posing ongoing challenges.
