The Centre for Research and Advocacy in Manipur has voiced worry about “increasing cases of violence against women during the ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki people in Manipur, perpetrated by the conflicting communities and by the Indian security forces deployed in Manipur.”
“The organization expresses our shock and condemnation at the naked parading and harassment of two Kuki women by a mob at B Phamom village under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station on 4 May 2023, as well as the merciless killings of women by both conflicting communities during the course of the violence,” said Sanaton, the organization’s president, in a press release.
The organization voiced worry about the reported attack on indigenous women by Indian security forces stationed in Manipur to suppress ethnic conflict. According to media reports, more than 60 Meitei women were injured in an assault on June 20, 2023 by personnel of the 33rd Assam Rifles near Lilong Police Station in order to demand the release of juveniles apprehended by them.
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On July 8, 2023, several Meitei women were also injured in an assault by Assam Rifles at Kwakta under Bishnupur Police Station for asking that the Indian Army stop playing partisan roles among Manipur’s indigenous peoples. According to the release, another 19 Meitei women were beaten by the Rapid Action Force of the Central Reserve Police Force on July 18, 2023 in Singjamei Chinga Makhong, Manipur, for demanding an end to the violence in Manipur.
