2004 Manorama Devi rape-murder: No action against armed forces yet

Imphal: The 2004 rape and murder of Manorama in Manipur had shocked the nation and put the spotlight on the abuse of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. In July 2004, a group of 12 women disrobed in front of the Kangla Fort in Imphal held up banners that said - 'Indian Army rape us'.
They were protesting the rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama, allegedly by security forces. Manorama was picked up from her house on July 11 by Assam Rifles soldiers. Her dead body was later found with several bullet wounds including on her genitalia. Forensic tests detected semen and blood stains confirming rape. But no one has yet been convicted, even though Justice Upendra who conducted the government inquiry blamed the security forces.
Even today, the Upendra Report on Manorama's killing remains sealed. Colin Gonsalves, Counsel for Manorama's family, said, "Neither the PM nor the Home Minister, nor the Defence Minister has made the report public and told the women of Manipur what are the findings of the commission that was appointed by the government itself."

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