'If govt doesn't act...': SC condemns Manipur video, calls it 'gross constitutional failure'
New Delhi, July 20: The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, expressed deep concerns over a disturbing video showing two women being paraded naked by a group of men in Manipur. The Supreme Court strongly condemned the visuals, deeming them indicative of a gross constitutional failure in the region.
Chief Justice Chandrachud urged the government to take immediate action in response to the video and also demanded regular updates from the authorities on the measures being taken to ensure the safety of women in Manipur.
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Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/FpmRJw83p8#Manipur #Arrest #ManipurCM #BirenSingh #ManipurPolice pic.twitter.com/pyxDNVwoKK — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 20, 2023
"We are very deeply disturbed about the videos distributed yesterday. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government steps in and takes action. This is unacceptable," said Chief Justice Chandrachud.
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The court emphasized the importance of keeping the judiciary informed about the steps being taken to hold the perpetrators accountable for such violence. The visuals portrayed in the media clearly exhibit a gross violation of constitutional principles, furthering the urgency for appropriate action.
#WATCH | "There is nothing to comment. It is very sad...Of course, it is very unfortunate," says former CJI and BJP MP Ranjan Gogoi on viral video from Manipur pic.twitter.com/OBePZW4wuF — ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2023
The video in question has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action. The distressing footage shows two women being paraded naked by a mob, subjected to molestation, and dragged to a field where they were allegedly gang-raped.
According to a statement by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), the incident occurred on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, approximately 35 km from the state capital Imphal. The violence in Manipur initially erupted on May 3 during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protesting against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
In the wake of the incident, the Kuki tribe has demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister. The ethnic violence has resulted in over 120 deaths, with thousands of people internally displaced and now seeking refuge in relief camps.
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- With inputs from agencies
