Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey interacted with violence-affected people during her visit to various relief centers in Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts. (PTI)
Governor Anusuiya Uikey said that the Center has to decide on the resignation of the Chief Minister but the violence in the state should stop.
Amid growing national outrage over a viral video of two women being paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a mob in Manipur, Governor Anusuiya Uikey strongly condemned the incident and questioned the role of the police in the matter. In an exclusive interview to News18, Uike said that he has never seen such an incident in the country and he is deeply hurt by the inaction of the police.
Edited excerpts:
What is your opinion on the viral video? What steps have you taken?
I came to know about this horrific video as well as about two sisters living in Kangpokpi on Wednesday. I am shocked and hurt to think what the women must have gone through. What’s going on over here? It has been more than two and a half months but there is no end to this violence. I know the people of the country are hurt and angry. I meet people in the camps and see their condition. I don’t know how peace will come in Manipur.
I guess I can’t tell what I’m going through. I called the DGP and asked him why the police did not take action. If the video had not gone viral, they would not have been able to do anything. FIR copy is shocking. I have asked them to take immediate action.
The culprits should be booked and the police officers who did not do their job properly should also be punished.
The opposition is demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. Do you think he should resign?
Violence must stop at any cost. The decision has to be taken by the Centre. I have informed PM Narendra Modi and Defense and Home Ministers about the situation here. Violence may flare up for a day or two but in Manipur it has been going on for so long.
Why do you think the situation is not changing?
I have never seen such a situation in the whole country like what I saw in Manipur. Firing is happening every day and people are dying. This should stop. I have requested the Center to make such arrangements so that both the groups sit and talk and bring peace. Peace talks should be held as common people are suffering
