1 arrested after video of women paraded naked in India’s Manipur draws nationwide outrage

July 20, 2023, 02:01 PM
by UNB Digital Desk

UNB News
Publish- July 20, 2023, 02:01 PM
UNB Digital Desk
Update- July 20, 2023, 03:33 PM

1 arrested after video of women paraded naked in India’s Manipur draws nationwide outrage

Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard to enforce curfew in Imphal, capital of the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Monday, June 19, 2023. Deadly clashes, which have left at least 130 dead by the authorities’ conservative estimates, persist despite the army’s presence in the state that now remains divided in two ethnic zones. The two warring factions have also formed armed militias and isolated villages are still raked with gunfire. More than 60,000 people have fled to packed relief camps. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

A man was arrested today (July 20, 2023), a day after a video of two women being paraded naked in India’s Manipur state drew nationwide outrage and calls for action.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the arrest this morning through Twitter, saying that his government will take strong action against all criminals, including the possibility of death penalty, reports NDTV.

Also read: Modi breaks silence over Manipur 'ethnic violence' after viral video shows mob molesting women

Heradas (32) was arrested from Thoubal district with the help of a viral video in which he was seen wearing a green T-shirt, according to police.

The footage of the deplorable incident, which is said to have occurred in May in Kangpokpi district, resulted in widespread criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Supreme Court, NDTV said.

“What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. The incident is shameful for the country, the guilty will not be spared,” Modi said in parliament.

Also read: 54 people killed in street clashes in India’s Manipur

The Indian Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has directed the government to take measures and to keep the court informed of the efforts being taken to guarantee the safety of women in the region, the report also said.

“We are very deeply disturbed about the videos distributed yesterday. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government steps and takes action. This is unacceptable,” he said.
According to insiders, the government is expected to take action against Twitter over video distribution since it “could lead to problems in law and order,” added the report.

The incident occurred on May 4, a day after conflict erupted in Manipur between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribes over the Meiteis’ call for Scheduled Tribes (ST) recognition.

Over 120 people have died as a result of the ethnic conflict, and hundreds have been internally displaced and are currently living in camps.

Also read: Manipur situation will take time to settle down: Indian Chief of Defence Staff

Meanwhile, the opposition has asked that PM Modi make a speech in parliament on the situation in Manipur. Ten opposition MPs have already introduced an adjournment motion in relation to Manipur, the report concluded.