Incident tarnished state: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 21 2023: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday said the people of the state consider "women as their mother" but the miscreants who attacked and stripped two tribal women naked in May, whose video has drawn nation-wide condemnation, has "tarnished the state's reputation" .

The chief minister said protests were launched across the state to condemn the incident.

Biren Singh was referring to the viral video that surfaced two days ago, in which two tribal women were seen being paraded naked and molested by a group of men.

Four of them were arrested on Thursday.

"People of Manipur consider women their mother, but some miscreants have done this and tarnished our reputation.

We have launched protests to condemn the incident across the state, both in valley areas and the hills," he said.

Biren Singh said that people are demanding that the culprits get the strictest punishment.

He had said on Thursday that he will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.

The CM also took part in a protest agitation cum public meeting held in condemnation of the naked parading of two women at North Imphal Development Sporting Union (NISU) community hall, Lu-wangshangbam Makha Leikai on Friday.

Speaking to newspersons after the meeting organised by meira paibi groups of Khabam, Achanbigei, Hein-gang, Nilakuthi, Koirengei, Luwangshangbam, Mongjam and Maiba Khul under Hein-gang assembly constituency, CM Biren iterated that Mani-puri society holds women in high esteem.

It is very unfortunate that unwanted and violent incidents have occurred in the state and such incidents should be condemned by all in the strongest terms.

He further informed that the government will never take lightly any incident which disregards and disrespects women in any form.

The government stands against any atrocities committed against women, he affirmed.

Meanwhile, meira paibi activists of Luwangshangbam Makha Leikai, Mayai Leikai, Mamang Leikai and Awang Leikai formed human chains along the stretch from Liberal College till the residential gate of chief minister N Biren and beyond and shouted slogans saying "Stop atrocities towards women" .

On the other hand, women folks of Koirengei staged sit-in protest at Koirengei Keithel and held placards which read "We condemn atrocities towards women", "Stop all kinds of violence", "We condemn narco-terrorism", "We want peace" and "Let's all stand united against violence" .

Comment