Imphal (Manipur) [India]: A five-member delegation of Supreme Court judges, led by Justice BR Gavai, arrived in Imphal, Manipur, on Saturday.
“We have just come and are looking forward to the visit. We are very happy to be here,” one of the delegation members stated.
The delegation, which includes Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotishwar, will visit relief camps and assess the situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Legal and Medical Aid for Manipur
Justice Gavai, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will virtually inaugurate legal services camps and medical camps across all districts of Manipur. Additionally, new legal aid clinics will be set up in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul districts.
Essential relief materials will also be distributed to IDPs. The legal services camps aim to connect the affected individuals with government welfare programs, ensuring access to healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and identity document reconstruction.
Congress Questions Delay in President’s Rule In Manipur
On March 18, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh welcomed the Supreme Court judges’ visit but questioned the delay in imposing President’s rule in Manipur.
“We welcome the decision of the six judges of the Supreme Court to visit Manipur. It was in August 2023 that the Supreme Court said that there was an absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery. Those were the exact words used by the Supreme Court, but in spite of that, it took the government almost 18-19 months to impose President’s rule,” Ramesh said.
He also raised concerns over the delay in appointing a full-time Governor for Manipur.
Background: Ethnic Violence in Manipur
The violence in Manipur erupted on May 3, 2023, following a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The conflict, primarily between the Hindu Meitei and the tribal Kuki communities, led to widespread unrest. The Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to restore order in the state.