Manipur incident: Harbhajan Singh calls viral video shameful, says "Opposition’s demand for discussion is reasonable"
Jul 21, 2023
New Delhi [India], July 21 : Aam Aadami Party (AAP) leader and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Friday said that the incident wherein a group of men harassed two women by forcing them to parade naked on the streets and then gang-raped them in Manipur is “sad and disgraceful”.
“This incident in Manipur was a very sad incident and such a scene is a very shameful thing for all of us, such things happen in our country. And we are tolerating and there is a limit to tolerance. Yesterday, the PM also said that action will be taken against such people and we hope that it will be done soon because it is very important to set this example,” Harbhajan Singh said while talking to ANI.
The former cricketer further said that strict action should be taken against those who should be taken against them.
“Every day some or other incident happens that we all Indians have to feel ashamed of...some people who show Indian culture down or do such work, strict action should be taken against them...," he added.
He further said that the Opposition’s demand for a discussion over the violence in Manipur is reasonable.
"Here (Parliament), every problem can be solved. If the country has to move forward, then it is important to have debates and talks...If there will be debate we can agree or disagree about everything or anything. But when there is no talk then how will that issue be clear? I would like to say that the Parliament should run where there can be a conversation, where there can be a debate because we all have gathered here together for this purpose only. If the country has to move forward, then it is very important to have talks about it," Singh added.
The incident allegedly took place on May 4, a day after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur.
After a video of the same went viral, the police swung into action and arrested 4 people, including the main accused.
However, the Manipur Police on Friday said that all four accused, who were arrested on Thursday in connection with the incident were remanded to 11-day police custody.
“All four accused remanded to 11-day police custody," Manipur Police said.
The violence in Manipur erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 in protest against the proposed inclusion of people belonging to the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Notably, speaking on the video that showed two women being paraded naked in Manipur, the prime minister said, "I am filled with pain and the incident is shameful for any civil society."
"No accused will be spared, we will never forgive those who are behind this," he said.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament that begins today, PM Modi said, "This a shameful incident for any society..who did this and who is responsible is another issue but this has put our nation to shame. I appeal to all chief ministers to tighten law and order. Whether it is Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur...the issue of a woman's honour is above all politics. "
Following the incident, Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Friday following opposition uproar over various issues, including the situation in violence-hit Manipur.
Lok Sabha proceedings were also adjourned for the day on Friday amid relentless protests by opposition members
Several opposition leaders were shouting slogans like ‘Manipur Manipur’ and ‘Manipur is burning’ as the Lok Sabha assembled at 2 pm.