Pained and angry, says PM as Manipur horror rocks House

A 30-second video showing a mob of hooting men stripping and parading two women naked in Manipur sparked a nationwide outcry that jammed both Houses of Parliament on Thursday and stoked massive protests in the violence-torn northeastern state even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and anguish over the barbaric sexual assault.

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The video from B Phainom village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district from May 4 — the day after ethnic violence broke out in the state — sparked allegations of laxity and complicity against the state administration led by chief minister N Biren Singh, questions about why a first information report (FIR) was filed weeks after the crime, and why no one was arrested till the video surfaced on Wednesday.

In Imphal and New Delhi, calls grew louder for the ouster of the chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio in the state, even as the Opposition pressed the government for a statement by Modi inside Parliament.

“Today, as I stand among you in the temple of democracy, my heart is filled with sorrow and anger over the incident in Manipur. This incident is a shameful act for any civilised society. The perpetrators of this sin, the wrongdoers, whoever they are, how many there were, that is to one side. But, the entire nation is feeling ashamed,” Modi said, speaking on the ethnic violence in Manipur between the dominant Meitei and tribal Kuki communities that has killed at least 150 people and displaced another 50,000.

Addressing reporters ahead of the Monsoon session, Modi said that 1.4 billion people were feeling embarrassed and appealed to all chief ministers to strengthen law and order in the states, and take stringent steps to ensure the safety and protection of women.

“Whether the incident happens in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, or Manipur, in any corner of India, in any state government, rising above political disputes and maintaining the significance of the rule of law and the respect for women is crucial. I want to assure the citizens of this country that no wrongdoer will be spared. Every step will be taken to ensure law forcefully with all its might,” he added.