Manipur is a north-eastern state of India that known for its rich culture and natural beauty. However, in recent weeks, the state has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. A horrific video of two women paraded naked in Manipur surfaced on social media on 19 July, drawing widespread condemnation.
The video, which believed to have been taken in May, shows a mob of men surrounding two women from the Kuki-Zomi community. The women then stripped naked and paraded through the streets, while the mob shouts abuse and insults at them. The incident has sparked outrage across India, with many people calling for the perpetrators to brought to justice.
The state has a long history of violence against women, and this latest incident is just one example of the challenges that women face in the region. In 2018, a report by the National Crime Records Bureau found that Manipur had the highest rate of crime against women in India.
The report found that there 1,299 cases of rape reported in Manipur in 2017, which is a rate of 13.5 cases per 100,000 women. The report also found that Manipur had the highest rate of dowry deaths in India. In 2017, there 37 dowry deaths reported in Manipur, which is a rate of 3.7 deaths per 100,000 women.
The violence in Manipur has raised serious questions about the safety of women in the state. In the past, Manipur has had a reputation for being a relatively safe place for women. However, the recent violence has shown that women are not immune to the dangers of conflict.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the vulnerability of women in Manipur. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, which has led to a history of conflict. In addition, Manipur is a poor state, with high rates of poverty and unemployment. This can make women more vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
The violence against women in Manipur is a complex issue with many contributing factors. These include poverty, illiteracy, and a patriarchal culture. However, the recent video has shown that the problem is also one of impunity. The perpetrators of this crime have not yet brought to justice, and this sends a message to other potential offenders that they can get away with violence against women.
The Manipur government must take urgent action to address the issue of violence against women in the state. This includes ensuring that the perpetrators of this crime brought to justice, and that there are adequate measures in place to protect women from violence. The government must also work to address the root causes of violence against women, such as poverty, illiteracy, and a patriarchal culture. This will require a long-term commitment from the government and from the wider community.
The safety of women in Manipur is a matter of national importance. The recent video has shown that the problem is serious, and that it needs to addressed urgently. The Manipur government must take action to ensure that women in the state are safe from violence.