Manipur Violence: SC Directs State Govt to Take Steps for Relief, Rehab, Evacuation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the loss of life and property in the recent ethnic violence in Manipur. The apex court asked the Manipur government to take appropriate steps for relief, rehabilitation and evacuation of those affected.

A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also pointed out that all places of worship in Manipur should be protected and basic amenities should be provided in relief camps.

“Proceedings before this court should not become grounds for destabilising the state,” said Justice Chandrachud.

The Bench asked the Manipur Government to file an updated status report on the situation in the state and posted the matter for further hearing on May 17.

The top court was hearing two separate petitions on the issue. The first petition was filed by Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi seeking an SIT probe into the violence and relief for the victims, while the second one was by Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly D Gangmei against the Manipur High Court order to the state government forward a recommendation to the Union Government to include Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list.

At the very outset of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said no violence has been reported in the last two days and curfew was relaxed for a few hours yesterday. Vigilance was being maintained and helicopters and drones were being used to keep an eye on the miscreants, Mehta told the Bench.

The Solicitor General informed the top court that ration and medical help was being provided in relief camps and those stranded were being evacuated.