NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, reopening after 42-day summer vacations, sought a detailed status report from the Manipur government on the steps taken to end ethnic violence in the state, along with measures taken for rehabilitation camps for homeless and violence-hit people, deployment of security forces, and the law and order situation.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, was hearing petitions regarding the violence in the state, including a plea of an NGO seeking military protection for the minority Kuki tribals and action against outfits attacking them.
Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General, who appeared for the Centre and Manipur government, told the SC that the situation is improving in Manipur, though slowly, Indian media reported.
He said that apart from civil police, companies of CAPF, 114 columns of army, Manipur rifles, and Manipur Commandos had been deployed in the state.
He appealed to not give a communal angle to the matter.
Advocate Colin Gonsalves said the situation in the state has become very extreme. Until these armed outfits are not disbanded, the situation will escalate. Last night, three tribals killed and one beheaded, that is first beheading of tribals.
He said that the Kukis are not attacking but defending, while Meitis are crossing the lines. The military has stated that they are not being allowed to do their job.
The top judge in response said that they will look at the status report. The issue has been posted for hearing on 10 July.
Fresh violence in Manipur
Meanwhile, fresh violence started in the state on Sunday with at least four people were killed.
Following the incident, the twelve-hour curfew relaxation in Bishnupur was curtailed to just five hours. Chief Minister Biren Singh visited the spot of fresh violence to take stock of the situation and interacted with the locals.
