On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a directive to the Manipur government, demanding a detailed report in a sealed cover concerning the properties that have been burnt or encroached upon during the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. The order from a bench, which includes Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, also seeks clarification on the steps taken by the state against perpetrators and encroachers, with the case set for further hearing starting January 20.
This judicial action builds upon prior measures from August of the previous year when the apex court mandated the formation of a three-member committee, led by former women high court judges. This committee is responsible for supervising the relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims, as well as managing compensation procedures. Additionally, former Maharashtra Police Chief Dattatray Padsalgikar was appointed to oversee the investigation into the criminal cases stemming from the violence.
The ethnic strife in Manipur escalated significantly following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ on May 3, 2023, in the state’s hill districts. This march was primarily a response to the majority Meitei community’s campaign for Scheduled Tribe status. The resulting confrontations have led to over 160 fatalities and several hundred injuries, marking a significant crisis in the region.
