Shocking video emerges of sexual assault in India’s Manipur state amid ethnic violence | CNN

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Manipur Incident

Introduction

A graphic video showing two women forced by a mob to walk naked in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur has sparked outrage after it emerged on social media and prompted the country’s leader Narendra Modi to break his silence on the months-long inter-ethnic conflict tearing the state apart.

Incident Details

1. The viral video depicts an incident from May 4, according to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) but police only made arrests once the footage went online this week.
2. Manipur Police described the incident on Twitter as “a case of abduction, gang rape and murder” on Wednesday.
3. Officials said Thursday that four people have been arrested and that police raids are ongoing. Authorities are interrogating more than three dozen men in relation to the apparent sexual assault, Reuters reported.
4. The video shows two terrified women being forced to walk naked through a crowd of clothed men. The women appear to be being groped and sexually assaulted while surrounded by a mob of men, many brandishing long canes or sticks as weapons.
5. The horrific footage emerged more than two months after the incident took place; ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur triggered state-wide internet restrictions on May 3.

Government Response and Condemnation

• Modi addressed the situation in the state for the first time on Thursday, saying: “My heart is filled with grief and anger. The incident in Manipur is shameful for any civil society.”
• The footage sparked condemnation from every corner of Indian society, with women from a rights group in Manipur setting fire to the house of the main suspect on Thursday.

‘Crime against humanity’

As outrage built over the attack, India’s Supreme Court on Thursday directed the federal and Manipur state governments to take “immediate steps… to hold perpetrators accountable” and “ensure such incidents are not repeated.”

“Using women as instruments for perpetrating violence is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” the court said.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the incident Thursday, calling it a “crime against humanity.”

Speaking to reporters in the state capital Imphal, Singh said the Manipur state government, which is headed by Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, would not tolerate crimes against “women and our sisters,” adding that the culprits would receive the highest punishment.

‘Mobocracy’

Lawmakers’ attempts to discuss the incident have run into roadblocks in India’s parliament. Both houses were adjourned in early afternoon on Wednesday after attempting to hold sessions. The same thing happened on Thursday, after opposition parties protested to raise the issue.

The president of India’s main opposition Congress party Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted Thursday, before the opening of Parliament: “Humanity has died in Manipur. Modi Govt and the BJP has changed democracy and the rule of law into Mobocracy by destroying the delicate social fabric of the state.”

The Indian government has issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the viral video, a source familiar with the matter told CNN Thursday, adding it is “imperative for social media platforms to adhere to Indian laws as the matter is currently under investigation.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
   • Indicator: Number of women and girls subjected to sexual violence

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
   • Indicator: Number of victims of intentional homicide

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article discusses a graphic video showing two women being forced to walk naked and being sexually assaulted by a mob. This incident represents a form of violence against women and girls, which is addressed by SDG 5. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres. The specific indicator mentioned in the article is the number of women and girls subjected to sexual violence.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article highlights the ongoing inter-ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has resulted in violence, deaths, and displacement. This relates to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The specific indicator mentioned in the article is the number of victims of intentional homicide.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: cnn.com

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