MANIPUR UPDATES: In response to the harrowing video of a savage assault on two women in Manipur, the United States has rallied behind the Indian Government's pursuit of justice. Expressing profound shock and horror, a senior Biden administration official conveyed the nation's dismay upon witnessing the distressing visuals of the attack.
Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, addressed the media, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, "The video depicting this extreme act of violence against two women in Manipur has left us appalled. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the survivors of this gender-based atrocity, and we stand firmly in support of the Indian Government's quest for justice on their behalf."
Reports indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself condemned such violence, underscoring its abhorrence in any civilized society.
"We advocate for a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the Manipur violence, urging the authorities to address the humanitarian needs and safeguard the lives and property of all communities."
On May 4, a shocking incident unfolded in the Thoubal district of Manipur, where two Kuki women were subjected to public humiliation and subsequently subjected to gang-rape by a mob. The video of this heinous act went viral on social media nearly two months after the event, sparking outrage across the nation and evoking a strong response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The incident occurred in the aftermath of clashes in Churachandpur, where the Kuki community protested against a proposal to grant scheduled tribe status to the dominant Meitei community.
Ethnic violence has wracked the state since May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, resulting in over 160 fatalities and several injuries.
The demographics of Manipur reveal Meiteis constituting around 53 percent of the population, mainly residing in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, comprise 40 percent and primarily inhabit the hill districts.
Within the United States, the Manipuri diaspora has called for an immediate cessation of violence in the state and advocated for the imposition of the president's rule to restore law and order in Manipur.
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