What Happened With Daughters Can Never Be Forgiven: PM Modi On Manipur Parade Incident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the incident of two women paraded naked in Manipur is shameful for the country and the guilty will not be spared.

"I assure the nation, no guilty will be spared. The law will take its course with all its might. What happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven," PM Modi told reporters ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament.

He then urged all the Chief Ministers of the states to strengthen law and order in the states. "My heart is filled with pain and anger. The incident from Manipur that has come before us is shameful for any civilised society. I urge all the CMs to further strengthen law & order in their states - especially for the security of women and take the strongest measures. Be it any incident in Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh of Manipur or any corner of the country - rise above politics," he added.

A video surfaced on Wednesday showing two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by a few men from the other side. The incident reportedly occurred on May 4 but came to light only yesterday.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that one person has been arrested in connection with the incident, so far. "My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. After taking a Suo-moto cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning."

He added, "A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society."

160 people have lost their lives since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.