Top Supreme Court Judges Travel to Manipur's Imphal to Assess Ethnic Violence Relief Efforts; To Inaugurate Legal Aid Clinics
Manipur has been gripped with severe ethnic violence since May, 2023 which has left scores dead and thousands more injured and displaced
Top Supreme Court Judges – Supreme Court – Manipur’s Imphal – Ethnic Violence Relief Efforts – Ethnic Violence – Inaugurate Legal Aid Clinics – taxscan
Top Supreme Court Judges – Supreme Court – Manipur’s Imphal – Ethnic Violence Relief Efforts – Ethnic Violence – Inaugurate Legal Aid Clinics – taxscan
A six-member delegation of Supreme Court judges, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, arrived in Manipur’s Imphal on Saturday to assess and effectuate relief efforts for those displaced by ethnic violence that has been harrowing the state since May 2023. The team is also set to inaugurate legal aid clinics and medical camps aimed at assisting affected communities.
The delegation also comprises Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh who were welcomed by the legal fraternity upon arrival. The delegation is set to visit relief camps in multiple districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul to interact with displaced persons and oversee the distribution of essential relief materials.
The initiative is being coordinated by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), of which Justice Gavai serves as Executive Chairman. The visit also includes the virtual inauguration of legal aid clinics, temporary medical camps, and legal service initiatives from the Mini Secretariat in Churachandpur. Later, the delegation will visit a relief camp at Moirang College in Bishnupur district.
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Backdrop of the Ethnic Violence in Manipur
Manipur has been grappling with severe ethnic violence since May 3, 2023. The conflict erupted following a “tribal solidarity march” in the hill districts, organized to protest the demand raised by the Meitei communities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The immense violence has since claimed over 250 lives, left thousands injured, and displaced more than 50,000 people, many of whom remain in relief camps.
Given the prolonged crisis, the Supreme Court decided to intervene by dispatching a judicial delegation to assess the humanitarian situation and extend legal aid to the affected population.
Controversy Over Meitei Judge’s Visit to Churachandpur
Despite the Apex Court’s humanitarian mission, tensions have arisen over the participation of Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, who belongs to the Meitei community. The Churachandpur District Bar Association had issued a directive barring him from entering the Kuki-Zo-majority area, citing concerns over public sentiment and safety.
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The All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has since urged its Churachandpur counterpart to revoke the restriction, emphasizing that the visit is not politically motivated. AMBA President Puyam Tomcha Meitei described the visit as “historic” and called for cooperation.
The Churachandpur Bar Association has however clarified that their directive was issued to prevent any “unwanted incidents,” given the heightened ethnic tensions in the region. “There is no ill intention against the Meitei community, especially the judges. It was a precautionary measure to maintain peace,” said Grace Chiinhoihniang, president of the Churachandpur Bar Association.
Despite the concerns, the Supreme Court delegation’s visit is slated to continue as planned before, with a key focus on legal and humanitarian assistance in the region.
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