Assault of four Tangkhul ladies on May 24
Register FIR : MHRC to police
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 08 2023: Weeks after four Tangkhul women were allegedly assaulted by an unruly mob at Kwakeithel area, a complaint has been filed with the Manipur Human Rights Commission for police to register an FIR and take legal action against individuals involved.

While hearing the case yesterday, the MHRC sought status reports and directed the police to register an FIR, if not registered already and take action against the miscreants.

If an FIR has already been registered, the case may be investigated by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police, it said.

Notably, the alleged assault on the four women occurred on May 24 when tension was high and the situation was volatile as a result of violence between Kuki militants and Meitei community that had gripped the State.

The four women were on their way to Bir Tikendrajit International Airport when they were allegedly assaulted by a mob.

They were allegedly dragged by the hair and some individuals among the unruly mob allegedly tore their clothes, undergarments and bags.

The complaint petition, filed by M Madhavi Devi of Bokajan, Assam on behalf of the four women, urged the MHRC to direct the SP Imphal West and Officer-in-Charge of Imphal police station to immediately register an FIR under appropriate Sections of the Indian Penal Code and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 against the individuals who allegedly assaulted the four Tangkhul women.

The complaint asked the police to identify and arrest the individuals involved in the alleged assault, ensure free, safe and secure passage of all people to the airport or their respective destinations.

It also urged the MHRC to direct the Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur to pay compensation to the victims.

Hearing the complaint yesterday, the bench of Chairperson Justice UB Saha and Member KK Singh issued notice to the Superintendent of Police of Imphal West and OC Singjamei/OC Imphal police station to submit status reports returnable on July 11 and requested the DGP to look into the matter.

Directing the police to register an FIR, if not registered already, and take action against the miscreants, the MHRC said the case may be investigated by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police and fixed July 11 for further hearing.

Separately, the MHRC stated that in case non-tribals are residing in the hill areas and tribal residing in the valley area are not in a position to lodge FIR regarding cognizable offence and human rights violation, the police may consider either to meet the victims or register suo-moto case considering the nature of the incidents.

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