The horrifying Manipur video of two women being paraded naked by a gang of men, which went viral on Wednesday and sparked a wave of indignation and condemnation, is likely to result in the government taking action against Twitter.
Social media networks have apparently also received warnings from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology over compliance with new IT regulations that uphold freedom of expression with “reasonable restrictions”.
The government has cautioned that it is against the law to distribute videos that “could lead to problems in law and order.”
According to insiders, a directive ordering action against Twitter for noncompliance was sent last night. They also stated that the IT ministry is coordinating across platforms to prevent further distribution of the video.
In the revolting footage, two women are paraded naked and subjected to mob sexual assault. The women were allegedly dragged into a field and later subjected to gang rapes.
The incident happened on May 4, one day after fighting broke out in Manipur between the Kuki and Meitei tribes over the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) recognition.
The ethnic conflict has resulted in over 120 deaths, thousands of internal displacements, and the current residence of relief camps for the displaced.
After the video went viral yesterday on social media, one of the individuals in it was detained.
“We have identified the men and will arrest them soon,” a senior police officer had said on Wednesday. The two gang-rape survivors came to the police some 15 days after the horrific assault. “They went to Kangpokpi, though the crime did not take place there. But we have got leads. We will catch the men in a day or two,” the officer said.
The police have been told to look into this situation as quickly as possible, according to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
As the monsoon session got underway today, opposition parties attacked the BJP, which controls the state, and brought up the event in parliament.
As the opposition pressed the prime minister for a statement, there were numerous adjournments.
PM Modi stated in his remarks prior to the session that the horrifying footage had filled his heart with agony and rage.
“I want to assure the nation, no guilty will be spared. Action will be taken according to the law. What happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” PM Modi said.
