DIMAPUR — The Tangkhul Shanao Long (Association of all Tangkhul women) has condemned the May 24 incident at Kwaikeithel Bazaar, Imphal, where four of the association’s members were allegedly assaulted by a mob on their way to the airport en route to Mumbai.
Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) in a condemnation note stated that as the vehicle in which the four were traveling stopped in the traffic congestion, a mob consisting of both men and women came and attacked them with iron bars.
“They were dragged down from the vehicle by their hairs, their clothes including their undergarments were ripped. To save themselves, the girls shouted they are Tangkhul, but the mob responded with domineering words….,” TSL alleged.
“Their belongings were checked, strewn and their bags were ripped apart. They were then taken to a secluded place and released after traumatising them physically and mentally,” the association added.
The association went on to allege that after the harrowing experience, the women were again stopped by armed persons and threatened by loading and unloading their guns, and finally allowed to go only after they pleaded that they were from Ukhrul.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The women are currently being treated at Health Care Diagnostic Centre Mumbai, it informed.
TSL said it was appalled at such carnage where “the women are active actors and agents of violence and even abetting their men to commit heinous crime and acts of violating tribal women.”
“It is shocking that the streets are still ruled by mobs and tribals are unsafe in Imphal city even in broad daylight,” it stated.
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TSL also condemned “the attempt of COCOMI superficially apologising that there was confusion in the identity as if it is alright to attack other lives and people.”
“This communal attack on any identity and ethnic group should stop,” the association added.