Why was a Meitei man arrested for torturing his Kuki wife?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Meitei man arrested for domestic violence against Kuki wife.
- Kuki woman receiving treatment for severe injuries.
- KWOHR condemns violence and calls for justice.
- Investigation ongoing with police involvement.
- Broader issues of ethnic tensions and women's safety highlighted.
Imphal, April 28 (NationPress) The Manipur Police apprehended a man from the Meitei community on Monday, accused of severely abusing his wife, who is from the tribal Kuki community, according to officials.
A police spokesperson stated that the suspect, Inaocha Khaidem, was taken into custody following the filing of an FIR regarding domestic violence at the women’s police station in Churachandpur district.
The FIR claims that Khaidem and his family inflicted torture on the 21-year-old Kuki woman, who entered into marriage with him a few years ago. She is currently receiving medical attention at the Churachandpur district hospital.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has vehemently denounced the “savage and inhumane behavior” directed towards the Kuki woman by her husband and the Meira Paibis (women vigilantes).
KWOHR General Secretary Kimneihoi Lhungdim stated that the woman, originally from the Tangjing area of Bishnupur District and currently residing in New Checkon, Imphal, endured severe physical and psychological torment.
“She faced brutal beatings, was bound to a bed, and deprived of food and water for three days,” the KWOHR statement mentioned.
On Sunday, the woman was left at Ningthoukong Gate, where a neighbor assisted her and took her to a village inhabited by the Kuki community. Upon arrival, she collapsed due to exhaustion and injuries, with her family discovering extensive bruising from the days of violence.
It was reported that in 2023, she narrowly escaped an attempted murder by members of the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol, who had slit her throat and abandoned her on the roadside.
She survived due to the prompt intervention of the Manipur Police and timely medical care.
KWOHR expressed profound disappointment that the Meira Paibis, traditionally a group formed to protect women's rights, have become tools of ethnic animosity and violence.
“As the ethnic cleansing of Kuki communities by Meitei factions persists, the Meira Paibis have repeatedly participated in acts of violence, including the rape, torture, and murder of Kuki women and girls,” the KWOHR remarked, urging all concerned and human rights organizations to condemn these ongoing atrocities in Manipur.