Civil rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu appealed to the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the conflict-torn state of Manipur “with the right approach”. The appeal comes in the wake of a disturbing recent incident where two women were paraded naked and assaulted by a group of men in Manipur.
The video of the incident, which took place on May 4 in the northeastern state’s Kangpokpi district, surfaced on July 19, triggering nationwide outrage and condemnation from various political parties during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
Chanu, who is from Manipur but now lives in Bengaluru, has been an ardent advocate against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). His hunger strike for 16 years was a powerful protest against the implementation of the Act in the region.
Read also: Manipur violence highlights: All 4 accused sent to 11-day police custody
“I want to appeal that we are all human beings. What is the need of so much hatred? Chanu said, “As human beings, we have nothing while we are alive and cannot take anything from this world when we die… We depend on each other because we are social animals so first we must become human beings.”
The 51-year-old activist, popularly known as the ‘Iron Lady’ of Manipur, shared her deep displeasure on the video. He called for unity and empathy among people, stressing on the importance of embracing our shared humanity and rejecting hatred and barbarism.
The situation in Manipur has been tense since May 3 following protests against the High Court order regarding the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The status will allow the Meitei community, mainly living in the Imphal Valley and surrounding areas, to buy land in hilly areas. The demand for ST status arose due to their increasing population and land requirements.
Manipur police have so far arrested six people in connection with the incident.
She added, “The recent horrifying viral video is already more than two months old, I just wish PM Narendra Modi intervenes with the right approach… as he is the responsible prime minister of a country with diverse, multi-diverse ethnic identities in all spheres.”
Reacting to the disturbing video, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and shame, saying the incident was unacceptable in any civilized society. “I am filled with pain and this incident is shameful for any civil society,” he said, assuring that the culprits behind this heinous act will not be spared and the victims will be brought to justice.
“No accused will be spared, we will never forgive those behind this,” said PM Modi in the national capital ahead of the start of the monsoon session of Parliament.
(With inputs from ANI)
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UPDATE: July 24, 2023, 11:31 AM IST