4 arrested, house of main accused burnt: Manipur’s parading incident
Manipur Police arrested a main accused from the mob that attacked the women. The case includes abduction, gang rape, and murder charges. Three more arrests followed.
In an act of seeking justice for the victims of the parading incident in Manipur, a group of outraged women took matters into their own hands by setting fire to the house of Huirem Herodas Meitei, the main accused. The incident, which occurred two days after a distressing video went viral, has sparked debates about the limits of vigilante justice in times of extreme emotion and anguish.
The viral video depicted the horrifying sight of two women being paraded naked by a furious mob from a rival community in Kangpokpi district. The incident came in the wake of ethnic violence that erupted in the state on May 3. The disturbing footage surfaced only recently after the internet ban in the region was lifted.
In response to the video, Manipur Police arrested one of the main accused involved in the mob that paraded and molested the women. The accused, prominently featured in the 26-second video clip, was apprehended in Thoubal district. The police registered a case of abduction, gang rape, and murder at Nongpok Sekmai police station against unknown armed miscreants. Hours later, three more individuals were arrested in connection with the case.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur. While the act of vigilante justice may reflect the frustration and anger of the people, it is essential to uphold the principles of justice and due process. Setting the accused’s house on fire can lead to further violence and can hurdle the efforts of the authorities to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway into the parading incident, and strict actions will be taken against the accused, including the possibility of capital punishment. The state’s Human Rights Commission has also taken note of the incident and issued a notice to Manipur, urging justice for the victims.
As concerned citizens, we must stand united against any form of violence and demand that the law takes its course. While it is natural to be appalled and angered by such heinous acts, we must not let our emotions override the need for a fair society.
