A five-member Supreme Court Judges’ delegation, led by Justice BR Gavai, arrived in Imphal, Manipur, on Saturday to review the situation and visit relief camps in the violence-affected state.
Upon their arrival, one of the delegation members expressed optimism, stating, “We have just arrived and are looking forward to the visit. We are very happy to be here.”
The delegation, comprising Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotishwar, is set to engage in various initiatives aimed at aiding Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Justice BR Gavai, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will virtually inaugurate legal services and medical camps across all districts of Manipur. Additionally, new legal aid clinics will be established in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul.
Other key initiatives include:
– Visits to relief camps to assess conditions firsthand.
– Distribution of essential relief materials to affected individuals.
– Legal services camps to connect IDPs with government welfare programs, ensuring access to healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and identity document reconstruction.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh welcomed the Supreme Court’s initiative, but questioned the delay in imposing President’s rule in the state.
“We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court judges to visit Manipur. The Supreme Court had already stated in August 2023 that there was an absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery. Why did it take the government almost 18-19 months to impose President’s rule? Why was there no full-time Governor for six months?” Ramesh asked.
The violence in Manipur erupted on May 3, 2023, following a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The clashes between the Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki tribal communities quickly escalated, leading to a state-wide crisis.
The Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control, but tensions have persisted.
With the Supreme Court delegation now on the ground, there is hope that their visit will facilitate better legal and humanitarian interventions for those affected by the violence.
