Manipur viral video case: Police team meets parade victims, begins process of recording statements
In view of the situation developing out of the ethnic clashes that broke out in the state on May 3, a team of women officials and personnel from Manipur police was formed for an investigation into the case, they added.
Members of the Kuki-Zo Womens Forum protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi
According to sources, the two ladies who were displayed naked in May have been called by the Manipur Police as part of the process of recording statements in the viral video case.
A team of female government officials and members of the Manipur police was established for an investigation into the matter in light of the situation arising from the ethnic riots that erupted in the state on May 3.
The team had met the two victims' families and had started the process of recording their comments, according to the officials.
They added that the process of finding witnesses and recording their statements has started.
The CBI was expected to be given cases involving sexual assault, according to the senior government sources in the national capital.
"Too little, too late"
The arrest of the individuals in the viral video case was deemed "too little, too late" by Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) spokeswoman Ginza Vualzong.
"If the perpetrators had been detained before the video became public, I would have appreciated it. On May 18, a FIR was filed. Such instances are numerous.
Having said that, I would also like to make it clear that simply arresting people won't address the state's greater problems, which include the ethnic tensions that have been present.
I implore the Centre to take the Manipur matter seriously and to act to put an end to the bloodshed and find a resolution.
Up to seven individuals, including a minor, have so far been detained in connection with the case.
After a May 4 video showing two tribal women being paraded naked by several guys from the opposing side in the Kangpokpi district leaked on June 19, tension surged in Manipur.
At the Nongpok Sekmai police station in the Thoubal district, authorities had reported a case of kidnapping, gangrape, and murder against unidentified armed individuals.
The occurrence was referred to as "shameful" and "unacceptable" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, who also conveyed their distress.
Since May 3, Manipur has been the scene of interethnic fighting between the Kukis who live in the hills and the majority Meiteis who live in the Imphal valley.
The violence has already claimed the lives of over 150 people.
(With input from PTI)
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