Akshay Kumar says ‘shaken’ over women’s naked parade video; ‘wish you had spoken before,’ responds Khushwant Singh

• Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar expresses deep concern over disturbing video of women being shown naked in
• Author Khushwant Singh criticizes Kumar for speaking out late
• The video shows two women being paraded naked by men, an investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to justice

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar on Thursday expressed his deep concern over the disturbing video of two women being shown naked in Manipur. Responding to Akshay Kumar's tweet, author Khushwant Singh said he wished the actor had spoken earlier.

Earlier today, the 'Hera Pheri' actor took to Twitter to say that he felt "shocked and disgusted" after witnessing the violence against women in Manipur. Such thugs should be punished so severely that it serves as a strong deterrent against future acts of violence, the Bollywood actor added.

“I feel shocked and disgusted to witness violence against women in Manipur. I fervently hope that those responsible for this heinous act will receive unprecedented punishment, making him an example that will stop anyone from even contemplating such a barbaric act,” Akshay tweeted. But Khushwant Singh said what happened in Manipur was "a consequence of the pervasive silence practiced by those who matter".

The video, which showed two naked women being paraded by a group of men, went viral on social media. In a statement, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) claimed that the appalling incident took place on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, located 35 km from Imphal. But according to the police, the incident took place in another district, with the first information report (FIR) filed in Kangpokpi.

On Wednesday evening, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said she had spoken to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh about the May 4 video.

“The horrifying video of the sexual assault of two women originating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhumane. I spoke to CM N Biren Singh ji who informed me that an investigation is currently underway and assured that no effort will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Union minister tweeted last night. There has been tension in the hills of Manipur ever since a video surfaced on May 4 of two women from a warring community being paraded naked by some men from the other side.

The video began circulating a day before a planned ITLF protest march to raise awareness.In Thoubal district, police have registered a case of kidnapping, gang-rape and murder by unknown armed miscreants at Nongpok Sekmai police station.

Police said they are making every effort to arrest the perpetrators as soon as possible. An ITLF spokesman said the "despicable scene that happened on May 4 in Kangpokpi district shows men continuously harassing helpless women who cry and plead with their captors."