Manipur: Woman Reports Gang Rape By 'Kuki Miscreants'

A 37-year-old woman in Manipur's Bishnupur approached the police on 9 August 2023, to report a sexual assault that allegedly occurred on 3 May in the Churachandpur district.

The police have filed charges of gang rape, assault, or criminal force with the intention to outrage the modesty of a woman, against unidentified 'Kuki miscreants'.

Following the complaint, a first information report (FIR) was registered at the Bishnupur police station and subsequently transferred to the Churachandpur police station on the same day.

The Manipur government recently presented a note in the Supreme Court regarding the "disaggregation" of 6,523 FIRs.

According to the note, as of 31 July, there had been one case of rape and murder, three cases of rape/gang rape, six cases of assault on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty, and 72 cases of murder registered.

Since 3 May, the ongoing ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei community has claimed the lives of 152 people.

A group of 40 legislators from Manipur, including members from the Meitei and Naga communities, have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They are demanding the complete disarmament of civilians and the relocation of Assam Rifles (battalions 9, 22, and 37) to be replaced by "trustworthy central forces along with state security."

Amidst the ethnic violence in Manipur, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact on women. The armed conflict has created a war-like situation, and it is essential to address this issue urgently.

The members of the Legislative Assembly in Manipur have demanded the withdrawal of the 'suspension of operation' pact with Kuki insurgent groups.

Additionally, they have emphasised the need for the compilation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.

To effectively resolve the conflict crisis, it is imperative to address the issue politically. One potential solution is the implementation of the NRC in Manipur to provide reassurance to the indigenous people, the members suggest.

The process of biometric registration for immigrants has already begun and the officials stressed that it should be expanded and strengthened.