Goa, Jan. 19 -- A Kuki woman who survived a horrific gang rape during the Meitei-Kuki ethnic clashes in Manipur in May 2023 has passed away after a prolonged illness, with her family saying the trauma she endured played a major role in deteriorating her health. Her death has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for justice, accountability and healing for victims of violence in the conflict-hit state.

The woman, who was kidnapped from Imphal and subjected to sexual assault by a group of men, never fully recovered from the physical injuries and emotional shock she suffered. Her family said she lived in deep pain for over two years, struggling with the after-effects of the crime while waiting for justice that never came during her ...