In a shocking incident that has left the entire nation in disbelief, Manipur witnessed a horrific crime against humanity that has ignited a firestorm of outrage and a collective demand for justice and peace.

Pain of Manipur has also sent its emotional tremors that has  knocked out “conscience of people of Himalayan states as well. They all share a common mountain culture and challenges.   

The viral video that surfaced on July 21, 2023 exposed a gruesome act perpetrated over two months ago in a remote Kuki village on May 4, 2023.  

The mainstream media has failed, while the Social Media has performed  the role of Fourth Pillar of Democracy and brought the viral video in public domain.

It has now kindled a hope for justice for the women victims, not only the two, but many thousands of other, living in the relief camps in Manipur.  

The video depicted two defenseless women being stripped naked, paraded brutally on the road by a vicious mob of over 23 people, and then taken towards the ploughed fields, where few other people were also seen at the bushy corner.

Even more disturbing was the presence of “some men in khakhi  in a vehicle at the scene”, who allegedly turned a blind eye to the heinous act as the victims pleaded for help.

The outcry that followed was swift and unyielding. Citizens from all corners of the nation and even  in world over, came together, demanding justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible and sacking of the Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Outraged by the authorities' initial neglect and delayed response, the public's anger only intensified as the government failed to contain the violence for the last over 80 days.

Tensions escalated as the incidents of arsons and figuring women in the protests reignited long-standing ethnic conflicts among the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities in Manipur.

N Biren Singh’s  anti-opium poppy and anti-encroachment  drive in Charachandpur, a Kuki bastion mainly involving Kukis,  only added fuel to the fire of Kukis’ anger.  

The recent High Court judgement granting tribal status to Meitei people, who live in the limited Imphal valley, also angered the Kukis,  who live in the hills in large areas, raised their fears of forays of Meiteis into their land.  

For years, these communities have been entangled in a web of discord,  somehow continue to  live in peace due to "emergent common Manipuri culture".

But now, in the wake of this appalling crime and violence wreaked by their militia groups,  who  seemed to be in command of communities,  the calls for unity, reconciliation and action have grown stronger than ever before.

Fearing Meitie's   push for  gaining access to their land by implementing the High Court order,  All tribal Students Union(ATSUM) also jumped into the scene at Churachandpur on May 3, a day before  the two Kuki-Zo women faced an avalanche of unpardanable indignities in full public view what Nation has not seen before.     

Amidst the turmoil, the N Biren Singh’s BJP  government eventually took action, and seven suspects, including a juvenile, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the crime.

Manipur police informed that the six adults are in police custody for 11 days,  and juvenile is been brought before the JJ Board,  while the search for the remaining culprits continues.

This development provided some solace to the angry nation, but it did little to quell the relentless demand for justice and peace and rule of law in Manipur.

As expected, the political parties became embroiled in the game of blames.

The BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and Opposition parties found themselves engaged in a blame game in Parliament, further fuelling the public's fury.

Congress and its allies demand Prime Minister Narender Modi’s statement on Manipur in Parliament. BJP blame Congress and opposition parties for not ready to discuss Manipur and other states, where such incidents also took place.

Amidst the chaos, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence soon after video surfaced, promising that those responsible would not escape justice.  “I am shaken and angry”, he had said.  

He called on Chief Ministers of Manipur tagging the TMC-ruled  West Bengal, and Congress-ruled Rajasthan as well,  to take immediate action to address the violence and hold the culprits accountable.

But as the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, is trying to manage the crisis, his actions and response drew the mixed reactions from public.

While some praised his efforts to tackle drug trafficking and encroachments, others expressed dissatisfaction, demanding greater accountability and a more robust response to protect the dignity of women and uphold the Rajdharm,  responsibility of governance.

In the face of adversity, civil societies, ex-servicemen, educators, and various social groups have come together in Manipur, standing united in their pursuit of justice and peace and seeking intervention of Prime Minister to take tough action against all  perpetrators and militias.

However, amidst these efforts, the road to lasting peace remains treacherous. The involvement of drug-related issues, primarily controlled by the Kukis from neighbouring Myanmar, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, challenging law enforcement agencies further.

To maintain law and order, curfew has been imposed in certain areas, and security forces are on high alert and Manipur police claim they have put up 125 check points.

Manipur Police have called for restraint, urging the public and media houses to refrain from spreading hate speech and misinformation that could further spark tensions and violence.

While the investigation into the heinous crime continues, the victims continue to suffer profound trauma are shaken and emotionally mauled.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there is hope. The collective outrage and demand for justice have become a beacon of unity and resilience for the people of Manipur.

As the nation grapples with the horror of the incident, the overwhelming hope is that justice will be served, and Manipur will emerge from this dark chapter stronger and more united than ever before.

The journey towards healing and reconciliation may be long and tough, but the power of people to demand justice and promote peace stands as force to recon with in Manipur.