Massive protest over Manipur video; State, Union Govts must act, says SC
A massive protest rally swept through Manipur’s Churachandpur following the release of a disturbing video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Supreme Court, which expressed deep distress and termed it “unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.”
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, took cognisance of the video and ordered the Centre and Manipur Government to take immediate action. The Union Home Secretary and Chief Secretary have been asked to file affidavits apprising the court of the actions taken. The next hearing is scheduled for July 28.
Amidst heavy downpours, over a thousand people donning black attire assembled at Public Ground in Churachandpur and marched towards Peace Ground in Tuibong, demanding a separate administration. The protesters held banners with messages such as “Rally for separate administration,” “Please recognise our separation from Manipur,” and “Too much tribal blood has flowed, separation is the only solution.” Slogans like “We want total separation,” “Long live tribal unity,” and “Biren government down down” echoed through the streets.
This peaceful protest came in the wake of the distressing video that has deeply affected the nation. Numerous organisations, civil societies, political leaders, and Bollywood celebrities have voiced their condemnation, calling it an affront to humanity. Chief Minister N Biren Singh and others have called for strict punishment for the perpetrators.
The rally culminated with the submission of a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, demanding immediate action on their demands.
The Manipur Police announced the detention of a key suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind the incident, captured in the 26-second footage from Thoubal district.
During the court proceedings, Chief Justice Chandrachud, accompanied by Justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra, expressed their deep disturbance over the video, stressing that using women as instruments to perpetrate violence in a region plagued by communal strife is deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a constitutional democracy. The court urged the Government to take swift action and prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
The Supreme Court ordered the Union Home Secretary and Chief Secretary to appraise the court on the actions taken in the case, including holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring the prevention of similar incidents. The court will review the progress on the next date of listing.
