In a heart-wrenching revelation, another deeply distressing case of sexual assault has emerged from the shadows of Manipur's ethnic clashes in early May. The survivor, who has been seeking refuge in a relief camp, has now come forward to file a police case, adding her voice to the growing chorus of women sharing their harrowing stories amidst the ongoing turmoil.
This latest incident unfolded on the day when violence erupted in Manipur's Churachandpur district, following a rally by Kukis advocating for Scheduled Tribes (ST) category inclusion. The survivor, a 37-year-old woman, narrates an ordeal of unimaginable horror. Fleeing from her burning house with her two sons, niece, and sister-in-law, she was ensnared by a group of men who subjected her to a brutal gang rape, according to NDTV reports.
The survivor's silence endured out of fear for her family's honor and the specter of social ostracism. She revealed, "The delay in filing this complaint is due to social stigma... I even wanted to end myself." Her 'zero FIR,' filed with Bishnupur police station, poignantly captures her journey from the ashes of her now-destroyed home in Churachandpur to seeking refuge at a relief camp, her strength fueled by the stories of other brave women.
In her harrowing account, she recalls stumbling amidst the chaos, desperately clinging to her niece and sons. However, her nightmare unfolded as she was surrounded by miscreants who verbally and physically abused her before subjecting her to a brutal sexual assault.
The survivor's plea for justice resounds in her statement, "Adequate punishment should be given to the gang of culprits who abused, sexually and physically assaulted me." Her journey towards recovery was marked by a visit to the JNIMS Hospital in Imphal, where doctors not only treated her but also provided the support she needed to speak out.
This case, filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), joins a litany of incidents that have been etched into the annals of Manipur's recent history. The survivor's courage, coupled with the alarming statistics shared by the Manipur Police of over 6,500 police cases filed between May 3 and July 30, underscores the urgent need for awareness, support, and action to bring justice to those who have endured such heinous acts.
