National Commission for Women Faces Backlash over Inaction in Manipur Sexual Assault Case

New Delhi— In a shocking turn of events, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has come under severe scrutiny for its alleged inaction and failure to respond promptly to a distressing complaint of sexual violence in Manipur. The incident, which involved the stripping, beating, and parading of two women from a village in Kangpokpi district, was brought to the NCW's attention a staggering 38 days before a video of the incident went viral on social media.

Amidst intense criticism, the NCW is facing demands for accountability from opposition parties, activists, and tribal collectives, who have united in their call for transparency and swift action in response to the distressing incidents of gender-based violence in Manipur.

Multiple media reports indicate that two Manipuri women and a Tribal Association, based abroad, submitted a written complaint to the NCW on June 12, narrating the harrowing ordeal suffered by the victims on May 4. The complaint detailed the ghastly acts of sexual violence, including rape, kidnapping, and public murder, perpetrated against Kuki-Zomi local tribal women.

Despite the serious nature of the complaint and the request for urgent intervention, the NCW allegedly did not take any action or respond to the complaint during the 38 days between the submission of the complaint and the emergence of the viral video.

It was only after the video of the incident went viral on social media on July 19 that the NCW finally tweeted its response. The commission, in its response, stated that it had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter after the video surfaced.

The complaint also highlighted other instances of sexual assault and murder targeting Kuki-Zomi women, urging the NCW to proactively investigate the matter and establish an inquiry committee. Additionally, the NCW was requested to provide essential assistance in the form of disaster counseling and trauma therapy to support the victims and survivors.

Recent media reports have revealed that the complainants received no response or acknowledgment from the NCW regarding their plea for immediate action and intervention. This has sparked widespread outrage and criticism, questioning the commission's efficacy and responsiveness in handling such grave incidents of violence against women.

Shocking Pattern of Gender-Based Violence Emerges, Exposing Systemic Injustices and Urging Action

The complaint submitted to the National Commission for Women (NCW) revealed a disturbing series of incidents of sexual violence against Kuki-Zomi local tribal women in Manipur. The complainants detailed a horrifying event on May 4, where two women were stripped naked, beaten, and gang-raped in public by a rioting Maitei mob. The letter urgently appealed to the NCW to address the escalating violence against Kuki-Zomi women, including rape, kidnapping, public murder, and burning, emphasizing a shocking silence surrounding the matter. The complaint further alleged the involvement of Maitei women in perpetrating gender-based violence and revealed heartbreaking accounts of Kuki-Zomi women fleeing for their lives, even during pregnancy. Additional incidents included attacks on female students, a nursing institute student, a widow, and a kidnapped 15-year-old girl, with medical evidence confirming rape.

Not one specific, there were many complaints, says NCW Chief Rekha Sharma

On Friday, the NCW Chief Rekha Sharma came forward to address the mounting concerns and allegations. In her response to media questions, she confirmed that the commission was actively engaging with the officers from Manipur in connection with the viral video and the complaints received.

Sharma clarified, "We received not one specific complaint, but many, and some of them were from individuals residing outside India and Manipur."

Emphasizing the importance of verifying the authenticity and accuracy of the complaints, Sharma asserted that the Manipur Government needed to clarify the veracity of the information provided. Only after due verification, the government would proceed with necessary actions, as per the NCW's request.

She added, "Firstly, it had to be clarified whether whatever was written is true. Manipur Government has to clarify, and if it is true, then they have to work on it. So, accordingly, we wrote to them."

Chairperson Sharma stressed the significance of conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice for the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable. She assured the public that the commission remains committed to upholding the rights and dignity of women across India.

As the investigation continues, public demands for stringent accountability and prompt action in cases of gender-based violence have intensified. The incident underscores the need for more robust mechanisms to safeguard women's safety and rights, especially in conflict-ridden regions like Manipur.