The Centre has asked Twitter and other social media platforms to pull down the video of the two Manipur women paraded naked as the matter is under investigation, The Indian Express reported citing sources.
The Centre has powers to issue content takedown orders to social media companies under Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The orders are kept confidential, IE reported.
In the video that has triggered massive condemnation and demands for action, two Kuki women were paraded naked by Meiteis, molested and dragged to a field, where they were allegedly gang-raped. The incident took place on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, some 35 km from the state capital Imphal, according to a statement by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).
Both the Kuki women in the harrowing video told The Wire that Manipur police were present at the scene of the crime but did not help them.
Activists and critics of the government pointed out the internet ban is responsible for the 76-day delay in getting the news out.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asked whether PM Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah who went to Manipur were not aware of the incident.
“The rest of India had little clue that such a horrific incident occurred due to the ongoing internet ban in Manipur. But it’s absolutely inexcusable that the Women and Child Development Minister waited for 76 days to speak to the CM of Manipur or even issue a statement,” Jairam Ramesh said.
