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In a gruesome incident that has gripped India's collective consciousness, a viral video from Manipur, displaying a horrific "rape parade", has set off waves of public anger. The unsettling footage portrays a group of men, some who appear to be teenagers, mercilessly assaulting two naked women, one of whom was reportedly gang-raped.

The victims, hailing from the ethnic Kuki-Zo tribe, are seen being led to a barren field by their tormentors, as seen in the 26-second clip. The victims' ages have been identified as 21 and 42, respectively, according to the survivors' police report.

India Rape Parade: Ethnic Strife Taints the Backdrop of Assault

This appalling episode took place on May 4, in the aftermath of lethal ethnic clashes between the primarily Hindu Meitei and the mostly Christian Kuki-Zo tribes. The Meitei constitute more than half of Manipur's population of 3.5 million, primarily residing in the state capital, Imphal, and its thriving valley, while the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribes inhabit the surrounding hilly areas.

Much like a flame that's spread from a single spark, these India rape parade incidents have fanned the fire of an already escalating conflict. This is borne out of a contentious proposal to extend reservation privileges in government employment and education to the Meiteis. The violence that ensued has already claimed over 130 lives, predominantly from the Kuki-Zo tribe, and displaced more than 50,000 individuals.

Viral Video Emerges Amid Internet Ban and Brings the Issue to Light

Despite occurring two months prior, the India rape parade video only recently surfaced due to an internet ban imposed in Manipur since May 3. This ban has been the subject of widespread criticism from rights activists within India.

Consequently, the grim occurrence triggered a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident. In the lead-up to a parliamentary session, he condemned the act, remarking, "Any civil society should be ashamed by it."

Simultaneously, India's Supreme Court expressed its perturbation over the viral video, compelling state and federal governments to inform the apex court about the measures being taken to apprehend those responsible for the crime. Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, highlighted the incompatibility of such heinous acts with the principles of a constitutional democracy.

Amidst the uproar over the India rape parade, the unfolding events paint a disturbing picture of the grave implications of ethnic discord and underscore the need for greater protection and justice for women, particularly in conflict-torn areas.