Endless Hunger Strike in Manipur Seeks to Demand Peace and Justice

IMPHAL: In the troubled state of Manipur, an organization called Brahmapur Seva Sangh has taken a courageous stance against the ongoing violence that has plagued the region since May. Commencing their indefinite hunger strike on July 26, the protestors are demanding the central government's intervention to put an end to armed confrontations and killings that have resulted in over 160 fatalities and countless displacements. The hunger strike has brought together over two dozen men and women, holding placards with powerful messages such as "stop killing, stop burning" and "save humanity."

One of the major incidents that ignited outrage across the nation and added impetus to the hunger strike was a viral video showing two Kuki women being paraded naked by a mob of unruly Meitei men. This heinous act has led to the arrest of four suspects by the Manipur police and their subsequent custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) until August 2. In response to the severity of the case, the Supreme Court has directed the CBI to suspend recording statements from the victims until it fully hears the main case. The apex court also acknowledged the gravity of violence against women in Manipur, terming it of "unprecedented magnitude."

Scheduled Tribes (ST) status has been a contentious issue in Manipur, resulting in clashes between the Meitei and Kuki tribes. The Meitei tribe's demand for ST status has fueled the ethnic violence, leading to the suspension of internet services across the state since May 4. As the situation remains volatile, people have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in relief camps.

In the midst of this turmoil, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, ordered a priority investigation into the viral video case, acknowledging the severity of the act and its implications on violence against women in the state and beyond.

The Supreme Court's forthcoming hearing will scrutinize the situation in strife-torn Manipur, focusing on the viral video case and its broader impact on violence against women in the state and other regions. As the hunger strike continues and the demand for peace and justice grows stronger, it remains to be seen how the central government and the apex court will respond to the urgent need for resolution in Manipur.

In a state marred by violence and suffering, the Brahmapur Seva Sangh's unwavering hunger strike is a powerful cry for peace, humanity, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

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