Manipur unrest: Supreme Court seeks updated report from Manipur government

In a significant development, the Supreme Court today sought an updated and detailed status report from the Manipur government on the steps taken to restore normalcy in the violence affected state.

Besides the top court also directed the N Biren Singh government to update its position on the measures taken for the displaced people who are lodged in the relief camps. The Supreme Court also sought information from the government about recovery of arms.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Manipur government, said, “The situation is improving, though slowly.” Civil police, Indian reserve battalions and 114 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are among those deployed in areas of violence in Manipur, Mehta told the court.

The Supreme Court will be hearing the matter on July 10.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice Manoj Misra was considering two petitions –

1. A petition filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi seeking the protection of the Kuki tribe by the Indian Army;
2. A petition filed by Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dinganglung Gangmei, challenging the direction of theManipur High Court to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list.

Reports stated that Advocate Dr.Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the Manipur Tribal Forum, submitted that the situation in Manipur has worsened.

Another counsel, appearing for the International Meities Organization, reportedly said that there should be an investigation into the source of assault weapons and the militant groups behind the violence.