SC on Manipur unrest: Asks Centre, Manipur govt to file action taken report within 10 days

SC wants an action taken regarding providing medical and humanitarian relief and evacuation of stranded people affected by the recent unrest in Manipur

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre and the Manipur government to file a status report on the action taken regarding providing medical relief, humanitarian relief and evacuation of stranded people affected by the recent unrest in Manipur. The report has to be submitted in 10 days by May 17.

The Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala was hearing at least 3 petitions filed by BJP MLA and HAC Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei and the Manipur Tribal Forum.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Manipur government told the Supreme Court that 35 CAPF troops, paramilitary and army have been deployed and the state has not reported any incident of violence in the last 2 days. Normalcy is returning in the state.

During the hearing, the apex court also asked the Central and state governments about steps being taken for the displaced people if adequate steps have been taken to protect the religious areas as well.

The Solicitor General informed the Supreme Court that steps have been taken to protect the people as well as property across the state. In addition, Solicitor General Mehta also informed that a peace meeting has been conducted and the situation across Manipur is under constant vigil.

The state government machinery is also monitoring the relief camps and ensuring availability of food, water, medicines, all other essentials and the safety and security of those taking shelter in the camps.

The Solicitor General assured the apex court that the Centre and the state would act promptly to address issues raised by the petitioners.

It may be mentioned, that BJP MLA and HAC chairman Dinganglung Gangmei had challenged the March 27 order of the Manipur High Court, stating that there were 3 basic errors in the judgement.

One more appeal has been filed by the chairman of the Hill Area Committee challenging the order dated May 3 of the High Court in which notices were issued to them in a contempt petition filed by members of Meitei community.

On the other hand, the Manipur Tribal Forum (MTF) in it’s PIL before the Supreme Court, sought directions to the Centre and the state government to deploy central forces to protect all churches and places of worship of the tribal/Christians in Manipur with immediate effect.

Manipur High Court on April 19 had asked the Manipur government to submit recommendations for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list, which has been a long pending demand of the community.

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