The United States said on Sunday it was deeply concerned by reports of viral videos showing two women being paraded naked in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, a rape case that has outraged the country.
The attack, in which a mob allegedly raped and paraded naked women, happened more than two months ago, but gained national and international attention after the video went viral on social media last week. Police have also made some arrests.
A US State Department spokesman called the incident “brutal” and “horrific” and said the US expressed its condolences to the victims.
The attack was reported by the victims, aged 21 and 19, during intense ethnic clashes in May between the tribal Kuki people and the majority ethnic Metis over possible changes in economic benefits given to the Kuki.
The trouble ended after New Delhi sent thousands of paramilitary and army troops into the state of 3.2 million people. But sporadic violence and killings resumed soon after, and the state has been tense ever since.
At least 125 people have been killed and more than 40,000 displaced since the violence erupted in Manipur.
A State Department spokesman said the United States encouraged a peaceful and comprehensive resolution to the Manipur violence and urged authorities to respond to humanitarian needs while protecting all communities, homes and places of worship.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the attack, calling it “shameful” and vowing tough action.
