NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the perpetrators who paraded two women naked in riot-Manipur will meet strict punishment even as police arrested one of the accused on Thursday.
For the unnerved, a video went viral on social media on Wednesday evening showing two naked women being assaulted and paraded naked by a huge mob. The incident took place at B Phainon village in Kangpokpi district on May 18.
Referring to the viral video, PM Modi said that the incident has brought shame to the entire country. “This is a shameful incident for any civilized society. Who did this and who is responsible is another issue but this has put our nation to shame,” he said.
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“My heart is full of pain and anger. I assure the nation, no guilty will be spared. The law will take its course with all its might,” he added.
Speaking at the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. https://t.co/39Rf3xmphJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2023
The prime minister, speaking for the first time on the Manipur riots which has claimed more than 100 lives, appealed to all chief ministers to tighten law and order. Referring to recent gruesome crimes against women in Congress-ruled states, he said: “Whether it is Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur… the issue of a woman’s honour is above all politics.”
Meanwhile, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh announced that the police have arrested one of the accused, Heradas Singh (32) in Thoubal district.
Police registered a case under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 398 (robbery), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), 448 (house-trespass), 302 (murder), 354 (outraging a woman’s modesty), 364 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) at Saikul police station on the day of the incident.
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“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 a suo-motu cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning,” tweeted CM N Biren Singh.
He further said, “A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.”
The viral video has caused furore across the country with opposition parties attacking the BJP government for failing to bring the situation under control in Manipur.
As the monsoon session of parliament commenced, several opposition moved notices demanding adjournment of the normal business to discuss Manipur riots in the presence of PM Modi.