New Delhi: Opposition party workers cutting across political lines took to streets to protest against the Manipur viral video on Sunday. The video, showing two women being paraded naked in the violence-hit northeast state, has seen massive outrage across the country over the last few days. Raising slogans against the Manipur government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, the protesters demanded justice for the victims and a “fair discussion” over the issue in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament.
Flagging “negligence” of the National Commission for Women (NCW), DMK MP Kanimozhi, as quoted by news agency ANI said, “The Opposition parties, including DMK, want a fair discussion on what is happening and want the Prime Minister to respond. The NCW has been aware of this and an FIR has also been filed but for weeks and months both have been silent so obviously they don't care about what is happening to women in the country.”
The Punjab Congress staged a 'maun satyagraha' against the ethnic clashes in Manipur earlier in the day. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, MLA Aruna Chaudhary and former MLAs Navjot Singh Sidhu and Bharat Bhushan Ashu took part in the protest at the grain market on Gill Road in Ludhiana.
Targeting the central government, Warring said there is a “deep conspiracy” to silence those who advocate democracy, and added that the Congress will continue to fight against injustice.
In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party workers held a candle march over the Manipur incident in Lucknow.
In Meerut, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers gathered at Kashi toll plaza and raised slogans against the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. The protest was led by the Uttar Pradesh AAP chief of Yuva Sangharsh Samiti, Vanshraj Dubey, and district president Ankush Chowdhary. The protesters demanded the dismissal of the Manipur government and appealed for action against the victims.
The tribal-dominated regions of Gujarat observed a shutdown on Sunday to protest against the Manipur situation, PTI reported.
Several markets in Tapi, Valsad, Dahod, Panchmahal, Narmada and Chhota Udepur, among 14 districts with tribal population wore a deserted look as shops remained closed and people observed a day-long sit-in protest.
Opposition Congress, AAP and Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) extended their support to the protest. AAP's working president and MLA Chaitar Vasava said, “A total of 52 talukas in 14 Gujarat districts responded to the bandh call and remained closed. Many people, including those representing farmer, social, religious and business organisations, supported the bandh. We hope the government will stop the violence in Manipur.”
Meanwhile, Salam Ulka Devi, Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women said they have taken suo-motu cognisance of the case and assured that the culprits won't be spared, PTI reported.