The incident highlights the extent and scale of the conflict in Manipur, India which has already claimed over 150 lives, displaced 50000, destroyed 1700 houses and 253 churches in the region. within last two month.
Eyewitnesses of the incident expressed their disillusionment with both the state and central government, stating that they lack the intent and skills to handle such situations, leaving people feeling hopeless.
One survivor, a woman in her mid-forties, recounted the horrifying ordeal she faced. She told Scroll.in that when she and others resisted the attackers' demands to take off their clothes, they were threatened with death. Fearing for her life, she complied to "protect herself," but the men still subjected her to physical abuse by slapping and punching her.
The survivor, belonging to the Christian (Kuki) community, revealed that the assault occurred near her village, B Phainom, in Kangpokpi district on May 4, following clashes between the two ethnic groups.
After hearing about Meitei mobs burning homes in a nearby village, her family and others attempted to escape through a dirt lane, but they were discovered. Tragically, a neighbor and his son were killed nearby, and the attackers assaulted the women, forcing them to strip.
The men then took her to a paddy field near the road and ordered her to lie down. Although three men surrounded her, she managed to avoid a more devastating fate as one of them suggested raping her but was fortunately unsuccessful.
Disturbingly, she was unaware of the fate of her 21-year-old neighbor, who was some distance away during the incident.
The shocking video of the incident prompted Amnesty International to express their dismay, describing it as a "shocking reminder of the scale and severity of the ongoing impunity in the state." It portrays a mob of Meitei men assaulting and parading two tribal Kuki women naked, with the intention of gang-raping them.
Based on the complaint, First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district on May 18, as reported. This FIR category enables any police station to accept and record a complaint before transferring it to the relevant station.
As per the report, the FIR registered rape and murder charges against "800-1,000 unknown miscreants." The complaint pertains to an incident involving five villagers who were attempting to escape to the forest to protect themselves. Among the group were two men and three women. Three of them were from the same family: a 56-year-old man, his 19-year-old son, and 21-year-old daughter. The other two women, aged 42 and 52, were also part of this group.
According to the FIR details, these five individuals were en route to the forest when they were "rescued" by a team from the Nongpok Sekmai police station.
Manipur is a northeastern state in India with a diverse population comprising various ethnic communities, each with its distinct cultural and social identities. Manipur population is composed of different communities, including the Meiteis, who constitute the numerical majority in the state and are primarily followers of Hinduism. Additionally, there are various tribal communities, with a significant Christian population.
The Meiteis have historically held political and economic dominance in the state, especially in the region of Imphal Valley, where Manipur's capital is located. On the other hand, tribal communities form around 35.4% of the population and are primarily concentrated in the hills surrounding the valley, covering about 90 percent of the state's geographical area.
The two main groups have been entangled in conflicts for decades, particularly concerning land ownership and control. However, in recent times, these tensions have been exacerbated by the political influence of Hindu nationalist organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These organizations aim to promote Hinduism as the dominant religion in India and have utilized the Meitei community to further their political objectives in Manipur.
Targeting women in political ethnic conflicts is an abhorrent practice that has persisted for centuries. Throughout history, women have often been subjected to violence, abuse, and exploitation as a means to exert control and assert dominance in such conflict.
PM Modi expressed deep grief and shock over the Manipur incident and promised that no one would be spared. pic.twitter.com/RmPDJrgREB
— BALA (@erbmjha) July 20, 2023
In many cases, women become victims of systematic and widespread atrocities, including physical assault, sexual violence, forced displacement, and psychological trauma. These acts are not only meant to inflict harm on the individual women but also to demoralize and terrorize entire communities.
The use of violence against women in political ethnic conflicts is a grave violation of their human rights and reflects the deeply entrenched gender inequalities and power imbalances within societies. Women are often targeted because they are seen as symbols of identity and community honor, making them vulnerable to acts of aggression during times of conflict.
Efforts to address this issue require comprehensive measures that go beyond short-term solutions. Long-term solutions should focus on promoting gender equality, providing adequate protection for women, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Empowering women and ensuring their active participation in conflict resolution and peace-building processes can contribute to breaking the cycle of violence and fostering sustainable peace in affected regions.
