Decrying the transfer of the infamous viral video case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to Assam, local clubs and Meira Paibis of Pechi, Lourembam, Nongpok Sekmai and Ukhongsang in Thoubal district carried out mass protest demonstrations at the said areas on Wednesday.
Taking part in the sit-in jointly organised by Pechi Youth Development Club (PYDC) and Pechi Apunba Meira Paibi at PYDC ground, one Meira Paibi, Khangembam ongbi Janaki Devi said that the infamous May 4 incident was triggered by the wave of violence which spread from Churachandpur district by the Kukis, in which there were reports on alleged rape of Meitei women by Kukis. She asserted that however, the two women victims were saved by the Meiteis.
She stated that one teenager from Pechi named Tomba was among those seven individuals arrested in connection with the incident by the police. She went on to claim that Tomba is not related in any way whatsoever to the incident.
Questioning whether law is applicable during wartime, the Meira Paibi said the public will not accept transferring of the case to Assam and demanded disposal of the case and unconditional release of all those arrested in connection with the case at the earliest. She also criticized the central and state governments for pretending to respect and honour women.
Janaki further warned that the Meira Paibis will launch intense agitations if their demands were ignored by the government. ‘The police should also make no further arrests in connection with the incident’, she maintained.
Mention may be made that Thoubal district police arrested seven individuals, including a minor in connection with the incident which occurred on May 4.
The video of the incident surfaced online in the third week of July, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation. The CBI later took over the case registered by Manipur Police against the incident.
