Protests Break Out Over Violence Against Women in Manipur

Thousands of women have been leading protests in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, demanding a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding clashes between Christian Kuki-Zomis and Hindu Meiteis.

Since May, over 140 people have been killed, and thousands have been injured between the two ethnic groups. Tens of thousands of Kukis and members of other tribal groups have also faced displacement. This violence, which has disproportionately impacted women, was sparked by Christian Kukis, who live in the hills of Manipur, after the politically dominant Hindu Meiteis asked for a special status to allow them to buy land occupied by Kukis and other groups. This status would decrease job opportunities for any other tribal group.

Women have been the target of sexual assault and killings, according to Manipur activists, since the conflict between the two groups began. Two weeks ago, videos started circulating of a devastating incident from May where two Kuki women were assaulted after fleeing their village, which was set ablaze by Meiteis.

Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh and state police are also under fire after it came to light that while a police report was filed after the May incident, no arrests were made for 70 days. Five men were arrested on July 21 in connection to the incident, but this unhurried response sparked further outrage among several religious and women’s rights groups worldwide.

In response to the viral videos and the police’s delayed response, over 15,000 demonstrators staged a sit-in in Churachandpur on July 22 and have continued rallies since. The Churachandpur protests have been organized by the women’s wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF). The Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in the country, also spearheaded protests outside the Indian Parliament and nationwide since July 25. Both groups have been demanding further investigation into the sexual assault incidents in Manipur and more action from Modi. Protests have also taken place in the U.S. and London in solidarity with Kuki women.

Modi openly condemned the incident involving the two Kuki women on July 20, saying, “What has happened to the daughters of Mainpur can never be forgiven,” but did not speak on the political clashes in the state. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the Churachandpur sit-ins on July 24, stating the government is ready to discuss with the opposing Congress party how it is “important for the truth to come out.”