Dividing line between truth and falsehood : The Khoupum rape
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: October 08, 2012 -

The fine line dividing the truth and falsehood can mislead. Two girls were raped, allegedly by two cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), an armed group at Khoupum in Tamenglong district in the night of October 5.

Home Minister Gaikhangam has confirmed the rape report and as a Minister primarily in charge of the law and order situation, this amounts to coming from the horse's mouth.

More so since Khoupum is the birth place of the Home Minister.

On the other hand, the Information and Publicity Secretary of the outfit in question here has dubbed the two as deserters. This in essence means that they are not cadres or members of the ZUF.

Two girls raped, both students, is confirmed, but the question now is whether the rapists were members of an armed group, which took up the guns on behalf of the people or were deserters.

This is where significant points arise. The Home Minister has not acknowledged that armed goons are having a field day in Tamenglong district and the ZUF functionary has sent out the signal that it is not ready to accept responsibility.

Would have sounded much more sincere and convincing if Mr Gaikhangam had stated that the arms of the Government do not reach to the interiors of Manipur.

If the two were deserters, as claimed, by the then when did they desert?

Were dismissal orders issued, especially since the ZUF would like to identify itself as a group standing up for the cause of its people?

These are questions which should be raised cutting across community lines and armed ideologies.

Significantly, the rape uproar has come close on the heels of the gun fight between Naga armed groups (rivals), it has come amid the battle of turf between the NSCN (K) and ZUF combine versus the NSCN (IM), the rape has been committed by people who took up the guns on behalf of the people.

Let these facts be digested.

In many ways what happened at Khoupum is a reflection of how armed groups, purported to be defenders of the people's rights have been riding rough shod over the common people.

It is most likely that the incident will be forgotten soon.

We all know how covert threats of the guns can silence the voice of the people and it is more than clear that the people of Manipur have no guts to voice their thoughts when it comes to the armed groups.

Perhaps this is what gave the 'encouragement' to these elements to rape two girls.

Perhaps it this why a smokescreen has been created to confuse the people on whether the rapists were actually members of the ZUF or were deserters.

The ZUF needs to explain more. The deserters cloak may just amount to excuses.

In the meantime, let the people all raise their voices unitedly. Manipur has seen enough of the security personnel (CRPF, Assam Rifles, Army, BSF, police etc) outraging the modesty of women.

This has now come full circle with armed groups targeting women. This has to stop.

Time to give a cutting edge understanding to the stand that the strength of the armed groups come from the people.