The protest was organised in Kochi, Kerala saw hundreds in participation lighting candles and voicing concerns against the the goverment.
KLCA organised protest against Manipur violence. (George Michael/South First)
Hundreds of citizens led by women hit the streets of Kochi under the aegis of the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA), protesting against the Union and state governments’ inaction in containing the violence in Manipur.
A candlelight vigil was also held at Mother Teresa Square at High Court Junction in solidarity with the persecuted people of the northeastern state, on Friday, 21 July.
The protest came two days after a video of a gang of men parading two women naked and assaulting them at the B Phainom village in the multi-ethnic Kangpokpi district, some 40 km from Manipur’s capital, Imphal.
Though the incident had occurred on 4 May, a day after the ethnic clashes broke out, the video popped up on social networking platforms more than two months later, reportedly due to an internet ban in Manipur.
Terming the incident a national tragedy, the protestors in Kochi marched through the Marine Drive, before arriving at Mother Teresa Square.
They raised slogans such as “Wake up Indian government,” and “Shame on BJP”. A banner they displaced said the despicable incident had injured India’s heart.
Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Verapoly Father Ebigin Arackal inaugurated the vigil by lighting a candle.
“The video which went viral recently is two months old. The atrocities that may have again happened in Manipur during this period are unimaginable. We are already too late to react. The Chief justice of India had to react before the government took any action. Are we such an incapable nation,” Father Arackal asked while addressing the crowd gathered at the busy junction.
“Why is the government remaining silent on the violence? Why are they not taking any action? Are they enjoying the whole ordeal with folded hands? It is unforgivable if they keep ignoring the plight of the victims,” Molly Charlie, a member of KLCA and one of the women who led the march, said.
At least five people have been arrested for assaulting the Manipuri women ever since the video surfaced.
“The very essence of humanity is at stake. We stand in solidarity with the people of Manipur and condemn these atrocious actions in the strongest possible terms,” KLCA general secretary Biju Josy told South First.
“Every individual has the right to live with dignity and respect, and we must not turn a blind eye to any violation of fundamental rights,” he further said.
“It is a BJP-ruled state and they are turning a blind eye to these incidents all this while,” Sarah, a college student, chipped in.
“The distress the video has caused is beyond words. Trying to fathom the emotions of those two women during such an ordeal is even more daunting,” Sandra Reji, a homemaker, seethed with anger.
Deadly ethnic clashes broke out between Manipur’s Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribes on 3 May over a proposal to extend reservation in government jobs and education to the former.
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