Manipur rape survivor dies nearly 3 years after ethnic violence
A young woman from Manipur, who accused a group of men of abducting and gang-raping her during the 2023 ethnic unrest, has died after battling severe trauma for almost three years. Her family and tribal organisations confirmed the death and renewed calls for justice.
The 20-year-old belonged to the Kuki-Zo community. She died on January 10 at a hospital in Guwahati, where doctors treated her for long-term physical complications and psychological injuries linked to the alleged assault.
According to her earlier statement, the incident occurred on May 15, 2023, at the height of violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur. That conflict killed more than 260 people and forced over 60,000 residents from their homes.
On that day, she withdrew cash from an ATM in New Checkon, Imphal. Soon after, unknown persons abducted her from the booth. She later told authorities that the abductors took her across multiple locations and subjected her to repeated sexual assault.
She claimed that several attackers belonged to Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei group active during the unrest. After hours of abuse, the men abandoned her in Bishnupur district. However, an auto-rickshaw driver noticed her condition and helped her escape.
Immediately afterward, volunteers moved her to relief camps in Kangpokpi. Doctors then shifted her between hospitals in Manipur and Nagaland as her condition worsened. Eventually, specialists transferred her to Guwahati for advanced treatment.
Meanwhile, tribal body Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) issued a detailed statement after her death. The group alleged that Meitei women known locally as Meira Paibi abducted her and handed her to Arambai Tenggol members. The ITLF further claimed that the attackers received instructions to kill her.
The organisation said the woman survived but suffered life-threatening injuries and serious uterine damage. Over time, these complications weakened her body and triggered repeated medical emergencies.
Earlier, in a recorded video, the woman herself alleged sexual violence and urged authorities to act. She confirmed that police registered a complaint but said investigators never pursued the case aggressively.
Following her death, Ng Lun Kipgen, spokesperson of the Committee on Tribal Integrity (CoTU), strongly condemned the incident. He described the crime as a symbol of hatred during the conflict and blamed the justice system for prolonged inaction.
He also said the case had intensified demands among Kuki-Zo groups for a separate administrative setup outside Manipur. Community leaders argue that survivors rarely receive protection or closure.
Police sources acknowledged that officers registered a zero FIR soon after the 2023 incident. The complaint included charges related to abduction, rape, attempted murder, criminal intimidation and atrocities under SC/ST laws.
Later, authorities transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, officials have not confirmed any arrests so far, raising fresh concerns over accountability.
As grief spreads across the Kuki-Zo community, leaders continue to demand swift legal action. They also urge the government to strengthen safeguards for victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
