CM's Capital Punishment Warning To SC's Ultimatum: Govt Faces Outrage Over Manipur Video

The viral video of Manipur women being paraded naked has triggered massive backlash with the Opposition mounting pressure on the government to debate the issue in Parliament.

The viral video of Manipur women being paraded naked has triggered massive backlash with the Opposition mounting pressure on the government to debate the issue in Parliament.

Source : PTI

The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on a stormy note over the developments in the strife-torn state of Manipur, reinforced  by the viral video of two women being paraded naked. The incident triggered massive outrage amoung citizens and political leaders, with the Opposition training its guns on the BJP, questioning Prime Minister Modi's silence on the issue for so long. The chorus for Chief Minister Biren Singh's removal has also grown with allegations that he failed to control the situation. The video, which was shot on May 4, a day after clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki tribe over the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status, surfaced on Wednesday. The video shows two women being paraded naked in in Kangpokpi district in Manipur, which has been hit by ethnic violence.

Here are the top develoments in the matter so far: 

PM Vows Not To Spare Accused

Speaking to the media ahead of the Parliament Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said vowed not to spare the guilty while condeming in incident in the strongest words even as the Opposition accused him for being silent for a long time. He said, "The incident of Manipur has put 140 crore Indians to shame. I want to assure the people of India that the accused will not be spared." The prime minister requested all chief ministers to further strengthen law and order mechanism in their respective states, especially to protect women and to take most stringent action.

Supreme Court's Ultimatum To Centre

The Supreme Court in a stern warning to the Centre said if the government failed to take appropriate action in the matter, the court will intervene to ensure justice prevails. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed strong condemnation and deep over the video from the state. The Supreme Court addressed the issue, stating that such actions were "simply unacceptable" and amounted to the "grossest of constitutional abuse."

Arrest Of Prime Accused

The main accused in the case has been arrested. He has been idetified as Khuyrum Heradas, 32, and was arrested from the Thoubal district after police identified him from the video. A case of abduction, gang rape and murder was registered at the Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unidentified miscreants.

CM Biren Singh Warns of Capital Punishment

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said strict action would be taken against all the perpetrators and the government was considering the possibility of capital punishment. "My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. After taking suo-moto cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning," Biren Singh tweeted.

Women's Panel Takes Note

The National Commission Of Women have taken note of the issue and have asked the Director General of Police in Manipur to take prompt action in the matter. The Delhi Commission of Women has also taken note and condemned the incident.