Imphal : “I have seen war. I fought on the forefront of Kargil war and protected my country’s honour. However, I could not protect my wife and villagers from murderous gangs of my own country” - these are words of the man whose 44-year-old woman belonging to Kuki clan in Manipur, was paraded naked on the streets by Meitei mob. What’s more, he is a Kargil war hero who retired as Subedar from the Assam Regiment.
“I only ask Prime Minister for justice to women who fell prey to cruelty of depraved assailants,” the retired Subedar said. Upon service with the Army ending, he ran a small business and owned a mini truck for the purpose. The assailants set that vehicle on fire together with his house and looted his shop.
There was indication on 4 May, that mob were approaching village of B Phaynom. They encircled more than a thousand people who scrambled to escape. Shortly before, the Subedar managed to send away his four-year-old daughter into the forest with a few other Kuki women. Upon recognizing him, the youths whisked the Subedar away from his wife toward another location. After a short distance, he broke free and ran and thus escaped death the Subedar said. He met his wife and their daughter in the forest weeks later.
A Naga family too survived hiding similarly in Khamjong district. On returning to the camp in Tengnauaupal district, the family lodged a complaint with Saikul police station in Kangpopi however, the cops and State govt did nothing until the notorious video went viral, the Subedar said.
