Guwahati: The United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) expressed its deepest disgust, pain, and condemnation in response to the horrifying incident that occurred in B Phainom village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur, on May 4. A video recently surfaced on social media showing two Kuki women being paraded naked by a mob that was confirmed by the media and FIR of the incident that took place on the said date, just a day after the ongoing clashes in Manipur began.
The incident, as shown in the video, was nothing short of barbaric and inhumane. “The UCFNEI and the Christian Community of North East India stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this traumatic time. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers for their healing and recovery,” a release from UCFNEI said.
“We demand an immediate and thorough investigation into this heinous crime. The perpetrators, regardless of their affiliations or background, must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. We call upon the law enforcement agencies to expedite the process of verification of every individual shown in the video and ensure that the full force of the law is applied in their prosecution,” the statement said.
The UCFNEI appealed to all individuals and media outlets to refrain from circulating the video further. “Sharing or disseminating such distressing content only serves to perpetuate the humiliation and suffering of the victims. It is crucial to respect their dignity and protect their identities during this difficult time, while appealing to our Church Partners to reach out to them,” the statement added.
“We also urge the Union and state governments, along with relevant statutory bodies such as the National Commission for Women, to take immediate cognizance of this appalling crime and take all necessary measures to ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly. We expect nothing less than the strictest punishment for those responsible for this heinous act,” the note added.
Furthermore, the UCFNEI echoed the sentiments of all who have expressed their outrage and condemned this brutal assault. “We stand united with them in demanding justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators,” the release added.
The release further added, “It is disheartening to witness such violence and hostility between communities in Manipur. As a nation that prides itself on its diversity and cultural heritage, we must strive for peaceful coexistence and understanding among all communities. We call upon the concerned authorities to address the underlying issues and work towards fostering harmony and unity in the region.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the ongoing clashes in Manipur. We appeal to all parties involved to exercise restraint, engage in peaceful dialogue, and find an amicable resolution to the conflict. As the United Christian Forum of NEI, we will continue to advocate for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights for all citizens. We call upon the government and civil society to join hands in creating a safe and secure environment for every individual in the region. May love, compassion, and humanity prevail over hate and violence,” the note added.
The million dollar question is who are the actual perpetrators? After 77 days of stony silence, our PM issued a statement (and that too not in the parliament) condemning the barbaric and inhuman act only after the Supreme Court of India stepped in and issued notices to both the Manipur government and also the Central Government.