- The State Department described the incident as “horrible”.
- The United States sympathizes with the victims.
- India infuriated by the sexual harassment case.
The United States on Sunday said it is deeply concerned by reports of a viral video showing two women being paraded naked in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, a sexual assault case that has enraged the country.
The attack, in which the mob allegedly raped and paraded naked women, happened two months ago, but it attracted national and global attention after the video went viral on social media last week. The police have made some arrests.
A US State Department spokesman described the incident as “brutal” and “horrific” and said that the United States expressed its sympathies to the victims.
The attacks by the victims, aged between 21 and 19, were reported in May during intense ethnic conflict between the tribal Kuki people and the majority ethnic Meitei over possible changes to economic benefits granted to the Kuki.
The problem subsided after New Delhi sent thousands of paramilitary and army troops to the state of 3.2 million people. But sporadic violence and killings resumed soon after, and the state has remained tense ever since.
At least 125 people have been killed and over 40,000 have fled their homes since the violence broke out in Manipur.
A State Department spokesperson said the United States encouraged a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the Manipur violence and urged authorities to respond to humanitarian needs while protecting all groups, homes and places of worship.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the attack, calling it “shameful” and promising strong action.
