NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday strongly condemned the Manipur incident of two women being paraded naked and assured that the guilty will not be spared.
“I want to assure the countrymen that no guilty will be spared. What has happened to these daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” PM Modi said in his remarks ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
The horrific video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur surfaced online on Wednesday and since sparked outrage and condemnation. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) claimed the incident happened in Kangpokpi district on May 4, a day after violence broke out between Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur.
Here are the latest developments:
NCW takes suo motu cognisance, demands prompt action
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident of women being paraded naked in Manipur and asked the state police chief to take prompt action in the matter.
“NCW condemns the Manipur incident. Taking suo motu cognizance, the DGP Manipur has been asked to promptly take appropriate action,” the NCW tweeted.
Considering capital punishment for guilty: CM N Biren Singh
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday said that a thorough investigation is under way and strict action will taken against all the perpetrators.
“My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday,” he posted on Twitter.

The chief minister said there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in society. “A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society,” he added.
Amit Shah speaks to Manipur CM on viral video
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh regarding the video that went viral on social media.
According to sources, Shah directed the police to take strict action against the culprits. Biren Singh has ordered the police to investigate this case in priority.
The police on Wednesday said it was making an all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest.
Manipur police make 1st arrest
Manipur Police on Thursday arrested one of the main accused who was seen in a May 4 video of two tribal women being paraded naked and molested by a mob at a village in Senapati district.
Officials said several police teams were formed immediately after the video of the incident surfaced.
One of the people, alleged to be the mastermind, was arrested from Thoubal district, they added.
The accused was prominently seen in the 26-second clip.
Simply unacceptable, deeply disturbing: CJI
The Supreme Court on Thursday said it is ‘deeply disturbed’ by the video of two women in Manipur being paraded naked.
Terming the incident ‘simply unacceptable’, CJI DY Chandrachud said, “Using women as an instrument in an area of communal strife is unacceptable. It’s the grossest of constitutional abuse. We are deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged”.

A bench CJI Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra asked the Centre and state government (Manipur) to take action against the perpetrators.
“What is portrayed in the media about visuals which appeared shows gross constitutional violation and infraction of human life using women as instruments of perpetrated violence is against constitutional democracy. Let the Centre and state apprise the court on steps taken,” the SC said.
If the government does not act we will, the apex court added.
Heart full of pain & anger: PM Modi
PM Modi on Thursday said that the Manipur video incident has filled his heart with immense pain and anger. The incident has insulted the entire country and 140 crore countrymen are feeling ashamed, he said.
“Today, when I am standing by this temple of democracy my heart is full of pain and anger,” he said in his remarks at Parliament complex before the start of Monsoon session.

The Prime Minister assured the nation that no guilty will be spared. “Law will act with its full might and firmness … What has happened to these daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” he added.
PM Modi also requested all chief ministers to further strengthen law and order mechanism in their respective states and take stringent action, especially in cases of crimes against women.
Remove video of women paraded naked: Govt to social media
The government on Thursday ordered Twitter as well as other social media platforms to remove the video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur.
“It is imperative for social media platforms to adhere to Indian laws as the matter is currently under investigation,” government sources said.

The video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, shows two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by a few men from the other side.
Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against the high court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy lands in hilly areas.
The majority Meitei community, which occupy the Imphal valley and nearby areas, sought the ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land, so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas.
A video of the incident had gone viral evoking sharp reactions from various political parties and triggering outrage.
– With agency inputs