IT News
Imphal, March 22:
A five-member delegation of Supreme Court judges, led by Justice BR Gavai, visited Manipur to meet people displaced by ethnic violence and assured them that peace would return soon. However, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, a member of the delegation and belonging to the Meitei community, did not visit the Kuki-majority Churachandpur district due to objections from a local lawyers’ body. Instead, he proceeded to Bishnupur district.
The exclusion of Justice Kotiswar from Churachandpur has sparked reactions, with the All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) urging its Churachandpur counterpart to withdraw its directive that barred a Meitei judge from visiting the Kuki-Zo-dominated area. AMBA President Puyam Tomcha Meitei called the visit of the Supreme Court judges a historic and unprecedented event.
Justice BR Gavai, along with Justices Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, and KV Vishwanathan, visited a relief camp in Churachandpur and met internally displaced persons. The judges also virtually inaugurated a legal services camp, a medical camp, and a legal aid clinic from the Mini Secretariat at Lamka in the district. Chief Justice of Manipur High Court, Justice D Krishnakumar, and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshilu were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Gavai emphasized the importance of unity in restoring peace and harmony. He assured the people that the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), of which he is the executive chairman, had sanctioned Rs. 2.5 crore for relief materials for internally displaced persons, in addition to the Rs. 1.5 crore previously allocated.
The visiting judges interacted with displaced individuals at the Sadbhavana Mandap relief centre and highlighted government welfare schemes, including healthcare, pensions, and employment programs. Justice Gavai urged the people to have faith in the constitution, which he said would ensure the restoration of peace in the state.
The delegation later proceeded to a relief camp at Moirang College in Bishnupur. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh welcomed the visit but questioned why the Prime Minister had not yet visited Manipur despite the ongoing crisis.
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023 has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced thousands. The visit by the Supreme Court judges is seen as a crucial step in addressing the humanitarian crisis and rebuilding confidence among affected communities.
