Paraded naked, not raped: COCOMI
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 20 2023: Strongly condemning the barbaric and uncivilized act on two ladies who were parading naked in broad day light at a remote village in Manipur, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) said entire people of the state and nation are in deep shock over viral video of the incident.

Referring to report of The Wire's interview with the two victim ladies, the COCOMI said no rape took place though the ladies were paraded naked as was testified by one of the victims in the interview.

According to the COCOMI, The Wire quoted the second survivor as saying that no rape took place but the perpetrators "just took off our clothes and touched our bodies" .

The complaint and FIR alleged gang-rape of one woman but it is really shocking to learn that many of the national media particularly TV channels have been grossly spreading the video clips with charges like paraded naked and gang raped.

Now that, the victim testified themselves that no gang rape took place on that fateful day, the irresponsible and unethical reporting by Indian national media houses particularly TV channels in very partial and exaggerated facts has lost its credibility to COCOMI and the entire Meetei society particularly the Manipuri women, COCOMI said in a statement and demanded clarification within the next 24 hours by all the TV channels which reported the video clip with claims of gang rape.

Strongly condemning the false and exaggerated reporting and misleading the world against Meetei society, it said the entire Meetei society is in deep shame and anguish over the video clip which is being shown to various national TV news channel across the nation.

The COCOMI team, with all its might, is trying all possible means to hunt down all the culprits.

Further stating that the ghastly crime was committed by few sick criminal perpetrators, COCOMI expressed belief that all those involved in the barbaric act will not be spared by the Meetei community in any way and befitting punishment will surely be given to everyone involved in the crime.

With regard to the evolving situation after video clip taken 75 days ago went viral, COCOMI appealed to various national media houses, which are trying to justify the entire crisis of Chin- Kuki narco-terrorist aggression by one VDO clips, to understand that this could only divert the complex issue and aid in demonising the Meetei society as a whole.

There are several incidents since the beginning of violence on May 3 which COCOMI considers barbaric and inhumane.

However, COCOMI always tried to avoid any incidents which could affect the modesty and dignity of the victim and their families and relatives and friends.

The intent to avoid spreading reports of such sensitive videos in public domain during such moment of crisis is very unnecessary, which certain vested interest groups would not mind spreading, the COCOMI said and appeal to all concerned to help in resolving the conflict.

However, it is very unfortunate to learn that certain national media houses are using the viral video taken 75 days ago which do not helpinresolving the crisis in any way but rather add more fuel to the fire,the COCOMI said.

According to COCOMI, selective reporting on Manipur violence is also a concern to the committee and the people of Manipur particularly' the Meetei community.

On June 30, 2023, around 4pm in Moirang area of Bishnupur district, large numbers of women protestors were beaten black and blue and some of them even manhandled by Indian army personnel without the presence of any female security personnel.

The same incident was reported in all the state TV channels and print media but no national media including those who are spreading the video clip taken 75 days ago avoided reporting the incident till date.

Reporters of national media seldom visited Churachandpur or allowed access to the 14 Meetei villages and colonies which were totally destroyed and looted by the narco-terrorist Kukis.

As the ongoing violence has seen so many inhumane acts on both sides, responsible media houses both at the state and national level must contribute in resolving the violence rather than inciting hatred among the communities, COCOMI said expressed hop there would be responsible reporting in future by national media houses.

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