'Political Things Are Involved': Assam CM Himanta Questions Timing Of Manipur Video Release
Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the incident was already registered, and the timing of the video's release raised suspicions of political involvement.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday (July 21) raised questions regarding the timing of a viral video's release showing two women being paraded naked in strife-torn Manipur. Speaking at a press conference, Sarma claimed that politics may be behind the leak, as the video emerged just a day before the commencement of Parliament's monsoon session. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the incident, Sarma urged against defaming Manipur or the Northeast as a whole. He stated that the incident was already registered, and the timing of the video's release raised suspicions of political involvement.
"The case (regarding the incident) was registered long back, video was available. It was leaked a day before the commencement of the Parliament session. So, some kind of political things are involved," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The incident, which occurred on May 4, drew widespread condemnation, and the alleged main accused was arrested on Thursday.
"Irrespective of the date of release of the video, the incident should be condemned, culprits should be punished -- on that I have no issue. But you should not defame the entire Manipur or Northeast," he added.
The Assam Chief Minister also emphasised that rape incidents are lower in the Northeast, particularly in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, when compared to opposition-ruled states like West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
"This is a sad incident, but the impression is being given that it happens every day in Manipur. If you compare rape incidents of West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh against Manipur, it's less in Manipur," he added.
Over 160 people have died and numerous others have been injured as a result of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3. The 'Tribal Solidarity March' erupted in the hill districts in response to protests against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
On Wednesday, a video from May 4 surfaced showing two women from one of Manipur's warring communities being paraded naked and molested by a mob from the opposing side.
On Thursday, the alleged main accused was apprehended. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country. On June 21, an FIR was filed in connection with the incident.
The monsoon session of the Parliament began on Thursday.
Since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, more than 160 people have died and several have been injured.
Meiteis make up about 53% of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and live mostly in the hill districts.
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