The retired soldier, identified as a subedar of the Assam Regiment, spoke to India TV in a heart-wrenching interview. He recounted the horrifying events of that fateful morning when a mob set fire to several houses in the area, and in an act of extreme cruelty, forced the two women to walk naked on the village paths while onlookers watched. Shockingly, despite the presence of the police, no action was taken to prevent the heinous act.

The victim's testimony revealed the extent of the trauma inflicted upon her. She disclosed that the men in the mob sexually assaulted her, though she was fortunate to escape rape. "Three men surrounded me... One of them suggested raping me, but thankfully, they refrained from it," she said, recounting the ordeal. However, she suffered further humiliation as they grabbed her breasts.

As the nation grapples with this horrifying incident, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The Manipur Police assured the public that they are making all-out efforts to apprehend the remaining culprits, and raids are ongoing.

The situation in Manipur remains tense as ethnic violence continues to claim lives and injure many. On May 3, when a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organised in the hill areas to oppose the Meitei community's desire for Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification, violence broke out. The Meitei, constituting about 53 percent of Manipur's population and residing in the Imphal Valley, clash with the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kuki's, who make up 40 percent and predominantly inhabit the hill districts.

Various organizations have staged protests in New Delhi, demanding an end to the ongoing violence and seeking justice for the victims.

Authorities are under immense pressure to ensure swift justice and exemplary punishment for those involved in the brutal incident. The nation stands united in denouncing such acts of violence and demanding a safer environment for all citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity or background.

Imges credit - Opindia