SC Seeks Report On Manipur Violence, Rehabilitation

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a detailed status report from the Manipur government on the measures taken to curb ethnic violence in the State, steps taken for rehabilitation camps for homeless and violence-affected people, deployment of forces, and the law and order situation.

On Monday, two petitions came up for hearing in the Supreme Court pertaining to Manipur violence. One was filed by Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi seeking the protection of the Kuki tribe by the Indian Army, the other challenged the direction of the Manipur High Court to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, according to Live Law.

This petition was filed by the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dinganglung Gangmei.

Senior Advocate Dr Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the Manipur Tribal Forum, informed the court that the situation in Manipur has worsened. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Manipur government, said that the situation is improving in the state, though slowly.

The Solicitor General also requested counsel Manipur Tribal Forum to not give any communal angle to the issue.

Gonsalves submitted that militant groups are openly giving calls for the annihilation of Kukis and cited an interview to a channel where a leader gave an open threat to Kukis.

"As long as these armed groups are not disbanded and allowed to go and kill, there will be an escalation of violence. Last night, 3 tribals killed and 1 beheaded, first beheading of tribals. These are the Meities, they are the dominant group. I have given a list of all the hundreds of Kukis who have been killed village wise. The Kukis are not attacking. The Kukis are in the villages defending. The Meities are defending. The armed groups are crossing the lines. Once they cross the line, the women gather in large numbers and stop the army. The army has released two press statements that they are not allowed to do their duty and protect the people", Gonsalves added.

Another advocate, on behalf of the International Meities Organization, asked for a probe into the source of assault weapons and the militant groups behind the violence. "The suspicion is that the militants have come out of the shelters and are fighting, otherwise how will you explain the assault weapons. There should be a headcount of the militants. Union of India should look into this aspect", the counsel said.

The apex court has posted the matter for hearing on July 10.

Violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

So far, over 100 people have lost their lives and over 3,000 are injured.