Manipur Tragedy: Awaiting Justice, Kuki Woman Dies Two Years After Mob Kidnapping And Gang Rape

A young Kuki woman who survived a brutal gang rape during the ethnic violence in Manipur in 2023 has died after battling severe physical and psychological trauma for nearly two years. The 20-year-old passed away on January 10 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Guwahati, with her family saying she never truly recovered from the attack.

Abducted While Running An Errand

The incident occurred on May 15, 2023, in Imphal. According to her statement, the woman had stepped out from her home in New Checkon Colony to withdraw money from an ATM when she was abducted by a group of men. She said her identity was checked before she was handed over to armed attackers.

Assault Across Multiple Locations

The survivor told investigators that she was taken to several locations in Imphal, including Wangkhei Ayangpali and Langol. There, she was subjected to repeated sexual assault and severe physical violence over several hours.

Left For Dead, Rescued By Auto Driver

After the assault, the perpetrators abandoned her in Bishnupur, believing she was dead. She was later discovered by an autorickshaw driver, who rushed her to a hospital in critical condition. Due to the seriousness of her injuries, she was shifted to Guwahati for advanced treatment.

Trauma That Never Healed

Family members said the woman never recovered from the shock of the attack. The trauma deeply affected her mental and physical health, and she remained in distress even while undergoing long-term medical care.

FIR Filed, No Arrests Made

Based on her statement, police registered an FIR under sections related to kidnapping, rape, attempt to murder, and criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Nearly two years later, no arrests have been made in the case.

Following her death, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) in Churachandpur announced a candlelight vigil in her memory, renewing calls for justice and accountability.