SC Declines Urgent Hearing Of Manipur Violence, Acknowledges The Gravity Of The Issue

On Tuesday, the Top Court declined to expedite the hearing of the interlocutory application (IA) filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum. The application alleged that the Central government's assurances to the court regarding the recent outbreak of violence in Manipur were insincere and misleading. Justices Surya Kant and MM Sundresh, sitting on a vacation bench, acknowledged the gravity of the issue as a matter of law and order. However, they stated that the case would be heard only after the Court resumes normal functioning following its summer break.

Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves raised the matter before the bench, emphasizing that the application sought to address the security concerns of the tribal areas, citing the deaths of seventy tribal individuals despite the assurances provided by the Central government. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered by asserting that the security agencies were making every effort to address the situation.

According to the application submitted by the tribal welfare body on June 9, since the previous hearing in the apex court, an additional 81 individuals belonging to the Kuki tribe were reported to have been killed, and 31,410 Kukis were displaced. The court was also informed that 237 churches and 73 administrative quarters had been set ablaze, while 141 villages had been destroyed.

The application emphasized that the portrayal of the violence as a clash between two tribal communities in the media is highly inaccurate. According to the forum, the attackers have the support of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), indicating a political backing. The application further argued that without the arrest and prosecution of such groups, any hope for lasting peace would remain fragile.

Significantly, the application highlighted the involvement of prominent politicians and drug kingpins in poppy cultivation, which relies on tribal workers.

The forum was one of the parties that approached the Supreme Court, seeking directions from the Central and State governments to safely evacuate Manipuri Tribals who had sought refuge in CRPF camps and ensure their secure return to their homes under proper security escort. On May 8, the Manipur government assured the SC that it would handle concerns related to the violence and take proactive remedial measures. The Court had urged the authorities to make appropriate arrangements in relief camps and take necessary precautions to rehabilitate displaced individuals while safeguarding places of religious worship.

Subsequently, the Union Home Ministry formed a committee headed by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Ajay Lamba, to investigate the matter. However, the forum contended in its interlocutory application that this arrangement was unacceptable since the tribal groups, who are the victims, were not consulted in the process.