Mokokchung, 21 June (MTNews): The nation is gripped with shock and anger following the heinous incident that occurred on 4 May 2023 in Manipur, where two Kuki-Zo women were subjected to sexual violence by an alleged Meitei mob. The horrifying incident has triggered countrywide outrage and widespread condemnation across the country, including the neighboring state of Nagaland.
Not about opposition vs the ruling party: Nagaland Congress
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has called the 4 May incident “gruesome” and expressed concern over what the Government and the country has come to, questioning why the incident has been left unreported and hidden for more than two months.
“This is not about politics, this issue is not about the opposition vs the ruling party,” the Nagaland Congress President Supongmeren Jamir stated in a press release and asserted that “the issue is the “inability of the Manipur state government and silence of the Central Government over our brothers and sisters losing their lives.”
The Congress pointed out that it took more than 2 months for the Prime Minister to make a statement, only after several lives had been lost. The Congress also expressed in dismay that an appeal had to be made in the ongoing Parliament Session to talk about the crisis of Manipur just to be dismissed.
“What is more important than one of its states burning?” the Congress president poised.
The Nagaland Congress president appealed to all organizations, NGOs, councils, and urban bodies, to come together and bring peace and understanding among all communities as it once was, stating that the responsible authorities and lawmakers are not stepping up to take any action and that all signs of faith in this Government have been lost.
“This is just not a Manipur issue, this is an issue concerning the whole country,” he said.
Referring to PM Modi’s recent statement of “New India, Developed Nation, Aspirations of People and Regions,” Jamir retorted that it is “a reality that cannot be seen from what India is going through.”
Country must act: NDPP Women Organization
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Women Organization has in a press release expressed shock over the incident stating that “the gravity of this heinous crime demands immediate attention and action.”
“The country must act. These acts are horrendous crimes against humanity and have shamed not just the entire country but humanity as a whole,” the NDPP Women Organization stated in a press release.
It further asked the authorities to strengthen law enforcement agencies and allocate resources to thoroughly investigate this shocking incident. It further demanded that the perpetrators of the crime be brought to justice swiftly.
“Moreover, it is essential that the investigation be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner, leaving no room for doubt regarding the pursuit of justice,” it added.
I am absolutely heartbroken: NPF’s Azo Nienu
Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party expressed “shock and pain” and shared how “ashamed” he was to see that humanity has gone down to such an extent where women were used as objects.
“I am absolutely heartbroken,” the NPF leader stated, adding that no words of condemnation can ever heal such horrifying crimes. “I wonder what these two innocent girls and their families will be going through,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his party and himself, he called for the Central Government’s immediate intervention without any delay or hesitation to give justice to the victims.
“We also call upon the Central Government to immediately restore peace in the troubled Manipur State once and for all,” he added and appreciated the Supreme Court of India for showing their utmost concern.
‘Barbaric’, denounces Central Nagaland Women Organization
The Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA) while condemning the act called it “barbaric” and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
The CNWA also demanded befitting punishment against all the perpetrators involved and appealed to bring normalcy and peace between the two communities at the earliest.
Being the first neighbors, we are distraught: Nagaland Tribes Council
The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) while condemning the 4 May horror and the killing of a Naga woman, Mrs M Lucy, said that they were distraught over what is happening in the neighboring state of Manipur.
“Nagaland state being the first neighbour of Manipur state, we are distraught to see the unrest of the people between the two Meitei and Kuki communities. Untold miseries of killings and arsons have been taking place unabated for more than two months now in Manipur, as if, there is no hope of normalcy and peace in sight to be restored in the state,” the NTC stated.
The NTC went on to say how “frustrating” it is that the lawlessness in Manipur is prevailing “at the very nose of the central Government of India.” The NTC urged the Government of India to draw on all sorts of mechanisms for a solution so that peace and tranquility is re-established in Manipur at the earliest.
Government of Manipur and the police be held accountable: Naga Hoho
The Naga Hoho while condemning the horrifying incident of 4 May demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the heinous acts. The Naga Hoho demanded that the perpetrators, including local leaders, Meira Paibis, vigilante groups and members of civil society organizations complicit in such crimes, and police personnel who failed in their duty to protect the vulnerable citizens and remained mere spectators, should all be arrested.
“It is crucial that the government of Manipur and the police be held accountable for their inaction, as their negligence and failure to protect the citizens have only exacerbated the situation,” the Hoho added.
The Hoho further called on the peace-loving citizens to raise their voices fearlessly and unconditionally, urging the authorities to act diligently to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
“These atrocious acts of violence, committed against the vulnerable sections of the society, reflect not only a gross violation of human rights but also a shameful disregard for the principles of humanity and justice. Justice must be served swiftly, without any bias or hesitation,” the hoho stated while sharing their solidarity to the victims’ families.