Resolute Manipur Women Unyielding in the Face of Naked Assault Video

Two women in north-east India, who were stripped, paraded naked, and allegedly gang-raped by a mob six months ago, have spoken out in their first face-to-face interview with the BBC. The incident was captured in a viral video and the women discuss living in hiding, their pursuit of justice, and their call for a separate administration for their community. The video not only amplified their suffering but also shed light on the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Since the attack, the women have had to flee to a different town and live in seclusion. They express their fear, shame, and trauma, and explain that they will never be the same again. The women believe that counselling has helped them to some extent but they still remain angry and harbor hate. Glory, one of the victims, shares that she never wants to interact with Meitei people again, while her companion Mercy describes her sadness and anger at her inability to protect her family and village during the attack. The police initially took no action until the video of the assault went viral. The subsequent outrage led to the arrest of seven men, who are now facing charges of gang rape and murder. The victims find strength in the support they have received since the video emerged and are speaking out to try to prevent others from suffering the way they have. They call for a separate administration for their community, a demand that has been controversial and opposed by the Meitei community. The victims have little faith in the state government and accuse it of bias against their community. The Supreme Court has taken note of the ethnic clashes and recommended that all cases of violence be handled by independent federal investigative agencies. Looking ahead, Glory hopes to resume her studies to become an army or police officer, while Mercy urges all mothers to teach their children to never disrespect women.