Leaked audio clip accuses Manipur CM Biren Singh of instigating ethnic violence
Imphal: A leaked audio clip has surfaced, alleging that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh played a direct role in escalating the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the state. The 48-minute recording, obtained by The Wire, reportedly captures Singh taking credit for initiating violent operations and discussing the use of bombs despite orders from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to cease such actions.
According to the audio, Singh allegedly asked for proof of the rape of two Kuki women, even though he acknowledged the authenticity of photos related to the incident. The Manipur government has dismissed the allegations, claiming that the audio clip is fabricated.
In response to the leaked audio, 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs issued a statement on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, asserting that the recording established Biren Singh's complicity in the ethnic conflict “beyond an iota of doubt.” They urged the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Centre to expedite its investigation and prosecute the Chief Minister if found guilty. The MLAs also demanded Singh's removal from his position to prevent him from influencing the outcome of the probe.
The recording has reportedly been submitted to the Commission of Inquiry established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the violence that has claimed over 200 lives since May 2023. The voice, believed to be Singh’s, recounts a conversation with Shah, wherein the Home Minister questioned the use of bombs. Despite Shah's instructions to stop, Singh allegedly told his team to continue using bombs covertly.
In the same clip, Singh is heard expressing doubts about the May 2023 incident where two Kuki-Zo women were paraded naked and allegedly raped by a mob. Singh allegedly suggested that the Meitei community should have claimed credit for saving the women rather than focusing on the assault.
The audio also reveals Singh’s frustration over the increasing influence of the Kuki community in government positions, which he cited as a reason for initiating operations against them. The recording has raised serious concerns about Singh’s role in the ongoing violence and his use of social media to fuel communal tensions.
The Manipur government, however, has denied all the claims made in the leaked audio and maintained that the clip is not authentic.
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NCW chief condemns rape-murder of 4-year-old girl in Pune, calls for swift action
New Delhi (PTI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Pune, calling it "deeply distressing" and a "blot on humanity".
The girl was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old labourer, who has a criminal record, in Bhor tehsil of Pune on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle enclosure on the pretext of giving her food. After raping her, he killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to police.
The accused has been arrested.
In a post on X on Saturday, Rahatkar said the incident in the Nasrapur area in Pune was heartbreaking and has shaken society.
"The brutal torture and murder of a four-year-old innocent girl in Nasrapur (Bhor, Pune) is deeply painful, heartbreaking, and shocking. It is a blot on humanity," she said.
She said Pune Rural police has arrested the accused and noted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar have assured strict action in the case.
Rahatkar said the NCW has taken cognisance of the matter and written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), requesting the body to ensure necessary and prompt action.
It has also been recommended that the case be pursued under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and be closely monitored from the filing of the chargesheet to proceedings in a fast-track special court to ensure time-bound justice, she added.
Ensuring justice for the victim and stringent punishment for the accused is a collective responsibility, the NCW chairperson underlined.
In a post on X, the NCW said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the extremely "heinous" incident.
"This heinous crime causes profound pain and outrage, and it highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of young girls," it said.
Strongly condemning this grave "inhuman act", the NCW said such crimes constitute a serious violation of children's rights and raise questions about society's security system.
