New Delhi: The government is likely to take action against Twitter over the horrific Manipur video of two women being paraded naked by a group of men, which went viral on Wednesday, triggering waves of outrage and condemnation.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has reportedly also warned social media platforms on compliance with new IT rules that reiterate freedom of expression with “reasonable restrictions”.
The circulation of videos that “could lead to problems in law and order” are not permitted under law, the government has warned.
An order initiating action against Twitter for non-compliance was issued last night, sources said, adding that the IT ministry is working across platforms to ensure the video isn’t circulated further.
The egregious video shows two women paraded naked and molested by a mob. The women were dragged to a field and allegedly gang-raped later.
The incident took place on May 4, a day after clashes broke out between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribe in Manipur over the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.
Over 120 have died in the ethnic violence and thousands have been internally displaced and are now living in relief camps.
One of the men seen in the video was arrested after the clip went viral yesterday on social media.
“We have identified the men and will arrest them soon,” a senior police officer had said on Wednesday. The two gang-rape survivors came to the police some 15 days after the horrific assault. “They went to Kangpokpi, though the crime did not take place there. But we have got leads. We will catch the men in a day or two,” the officer said.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said he has ordered the police to investigate this case in priority.
Opposition parties have targeted the BJP, which rules the state, and raised the incident in parliament as the monsoon session began today.
There were multiple adjournments as the opposition demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his remarks before the session, PM Modi said his heart was filled with anguish and anger over the horrific video.
“I want to assure the nation, no guilty will be spared. Action will be taken according to the law. What happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” PM Modi said.