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In a disturbing echo of past atrocities, a viral video showing the abuse and violence inflicted upon Christian Kuki women in Manipur, India, has ignited outrage both within the country and around the world. The video depicts harrowing scenes of women being paraded naked in public, subjected to groping, gang rape, and even murder, prompting a powerful response from the Chief Justice of India and calls for action from the government.
The video’s emergence has shed light on the ongoing ethnic strife and carnage in Manipur, where the minority Christian Kuki population has become the target of brutal attacks, often with apparent complicity from the police. Regrettably, this pattern of violence against minority Christians has been observed in other states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where extremist Hindu mobs have been allowed to assault Christians without facing consequences.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the religious aspect of the attacks on the Kuki population has often been downplayed in the media. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that these are not random incidents but represent a deliberate religious and ethnic cleansing of the Kuki people.
The incidents captured in the video occurred in May, but the truth behind them remained concealed from the public due to an 80-day internet blackout in Manipur. Now that the footage has come to light, people from various religious backgrounds are expressing anguish and concern over the rise of majoritarian Hindutva ideology in India.
The Chief Minister of Manipur’s attempt to portray the violence as occurring on both sides fails to acknowledge that the vast majority of victims are Kuki Christians. The recent resignation of the BJP Vice President from the neighboring state of Mizoram, citing the party’s transformation into an anti-Christian entity, has further added to the growing awareness of targeted attacks against Kuki Christians.
Prime Minister Modi, who remained silent for 80 days, finally addressed the situation and condemned the violence against the innocent Kuki women. However, his statement also delved into political territory, mentioning violence against women in states ruled by the opposition party.
This tragedy has unfortunately become a politically charged issue, dividing parties across the political spectrum. It is essential for all Indians, regardless of religious or caste affiliations, to unite against such violence and demand justice for the victims. Hate speech and bigotry must be rejected, and the nation should come together to ensure equal treatment under the law for every citizen.
The appalling assault on women in Manipur serves as a wake-up call for India to address its conscience and prevent a future marred by chaos and violence against women from all backgrounds. Only by standing together can the nation hope to overcome such atrocities and uphold the principles of justice and equality for all.
Source: The Christian Post
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza is an internationally renowned human and civil rights activist. He is the founder of Dignity Freedom Network, an organization that advocates for and delivers humanitarian aid to the marginalized and outcastes of South Asia. He is archbishop of the Anglican Good Shepherd Church of India and serves as the president of the All India Christian Council.
