Another gang rape case emerges from Manipur as brave woman files FIR

Imphal: Another horrifying case of gang rape has emerged from the midst of ethnic clashes that rocked the picturesque state of Manipur back in early May.

The survivor, who had been residing in a relief camp, displayed courage by filing a police report, shedding light on the unspeakable barbarism faced by numerous women during the violent turmoil.

As authorities encourage victims to come forward and share their harrowing experiences, an increasing number of survivors have been stepping up to narrate their ordeals, highlighting the desperate need for justice and reform within the region.

According to an NDTV report, the survivor, a 37-year-old woman hailing from Manipur's Churachandpur district, recounted the tale of terror she had encountered.

Amid the chaos that engulfed her neighbourhood as their house was set ablaze during the ethnic clashes, she, along with her two sons, niece, and sister-in-law, fell prey to a group of assailants who subjected her to brutal gang rape on May 3rd, the FIR filed by the woman said.

Overwhelmed by societal pressures and the fear of social ostracism, the survivor had initially chosen to conceal the incident, hoping to protect her family's honour and dignity. However, fuelled by the courage displayed by fellow survivors who came forward to share their own stories, she finally mustered the strength to report the crime.

She candidly admitted to having contemplated suicide as the weight of silence and trauma took its toll.

The survivor's 'zero FIR' was lodged at the Bishnupur police station, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 376D (gang rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

The incident sheds light on the massive scale of devastation caused by the ethnic violence that engulfed Manipur. Over the three-month period from May 3 to July 30, thousands of police cases were filed, detailing cases of arson, looting, destruction of property, and damage to public assets.

Public outcry has been mounting, with citizens and activists demanding swift and resolute action. Just last month, a deeply disturbing video depicting the public humiliation of two women by a group of men in Manipur went viral, igniting a wave of public outrage. The perpetrators featured in the video were subsequently apprehended, further emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.