Amit Shah seeks CBI to Investigate Kuki Women’s Assault Case in Manipur, Amid Demands for Trial Relocation
The shocking incident of Kuki women being sexually assaulted and paraded naked in Manipur, which sparked outrage across the nation, is set to be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday that the government will also request the Supreme Court to move the trial out of the state to Assam.
During an interaction with editors at his Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan office, Shah revealed that the individual who allegedly recorded the distressing video has been apprehended, and the mobile phone used to record the incident has been retrieved. The forensic examination of the phone is expected to provide crucial evidence and expose the “chain” of complicity behind the heinous act.
The Home Minister’s announcement comes amid a no-confidence motion in Parliament, with the Opposition demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the situation in Manipur. There have been allegations of bias and inefficiency against the N Biren Singh government in Manipur, with Kuki community members claiming they are being targeted with the support of state machinery. The state has experienced violence over the past three months, resulting in nearly 150 deaths and the destruction of around 4,500 houses.
Currently, around 57,000 people, both Meiteis and Kukis, are seeking refuge in 361 relief camps across Manipur. The situation has been grave and has required significant efforts to bring both communities to the table for dialogue.
Efforts to facilitate discussions have seen six rounds of talks with Kuki and Meitei groups, respectively, making a total of 12 rounds of talks so far. Shah expressed optimism that the efforts are at an “advanced stage” to bring both communities together to discuss a way forward.
In an effort to address the concerns of the Meitei population regarding illegal immigration from Myanmar, Shah had announced an operation to capture biometrics of all those entering from Myanmar and list them in a “negative Aadhar” database. Barbed wire fencing along the border is also underway as part of the measures.
Manipur’s complex history has witnessed periods of violence in the past, including the devastating Naga-Kuki clashes in 1993, which claimed an estimated 750 lives and had repercussions until 1998.
While the situation remains tense, positive developments have been noted, such as a decrease in casualties since July 17. Though the Torbung-Kangvai axis between Bishnupur and Churachandpur remains volatile, other fringe areas have reported sporadic incidents of firing and arson.
The state government’s efforts to reopen schools have yielded promising results, with an attendance rate of 82%, and attendance in government offices has picked up to 72%.
It is evident that the government is taking the situation in Manipur seriously, with the Home Minister’s involvement and constant communication with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to closely monitor the developments. The decision to involve the CBI in the investigation and seek trial relocation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring justice in this deeply troubling case.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the CBI investigation and the Supreme Court’s decision on the trial’s relocation, it remains essential for all stakeholders to work together in addressing the root causes of violence and instability in Manipur. The priority must be to protect the rights and safety of all citizens and find a peaceful resolution to the complex issues facing the state.
News Mania Desk
