The Supreme Court has issued directives to the Manipur government concerning the protection of places of worship in the wake of violent ethnic clashes claiming over 170 lives since May. A Bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud instructed the state government to inform a committee appointed by the Apex Court about the measures taken to safeguard public worship sites. Specifically addressing the restoration of places of worship, the court mandated that the state government provide a comprehensive list of religious structures damaged during the strife within two weeks.
The bench, which also includes Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, emphasized the importance of the Manipur government apprising the committee of the steps taken to secure public worship places. In addition to this, the Apex Court directed the committee to formulate a detailed proposal outlining the way forward, especially concerning the restoration of places of worship affected by the violence.
The Supreme Court is actively considering a series of pleas, including those advocating for a court-monitored investigation into the incidents of violence. The court is also addressing measures for relief and rehabilitation. As part of its efforts, the court appointed an all-woman committee comprising former High Court judges, with Justice (retd) Gita Mittal at the helm. During the recent hearing, the bench granted the committee the liberty to take a comprehensive view of the situation, including addressing any new developments related to alleged illegal encroachment or occupation of public worship places.
The state of Manipur, as well as the Director General of Police (DGP), were directed to coordinate with the committee. This collaboration aims to ensure the timely implementation of the committee's interim suggestions without further delay.
In light of the approaching Christmas festival, concerns were raised by one of the lawyers during the hearing. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre and the state, reassured the bench that all necessary steps would be taken to enable those in relief camps to observe the ceremonies.
The genesis of the unrest in Manipur dates back to May when chaos erupted following a high court order directing the state government to consider including the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. This decision fueled ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki and non-tribal Meitei communities, resulting in significant loss of life and numerous injuries. The violence first erupted on May 3 during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
As the Apex Court continues to address the complex situation in Manipur, the focus remains on restoring normalcy, safeguarding places of worship, and ensuring the well-being of those affected by the violence. The directives and committee involvement underscore the court's commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges arising from the ethnic clashes in the region.
TAGS: Supreme Court Manipur government ethnic clashes places of worship committee Apex Court violence Chief Justice
