The Supreme Court on Monday observed that it should not be exploited as a platform to fuel tensions in Manipur and called upon the warring ethnic groups to exercise restraint during court proceedings.
The court further clarified that it cannot assume the responsibility of law enforcement and security measures to resolve the ongoing ethnic strife and violence in Manipur. The duty to ensure security lies with the Centre and the State Government.
“We do not want these proceedings or this court to be misused as a catalyst for escalating violence and exacerbating existing problems in the State. We are not in a position to take control of law and order and security mechanisms. It is the responsibility of the Union of India and the Manipur Government to ensure security. This is a humanitarian issue,” said Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha, addressing senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the NGO Manipur Tribal Forum.
After reviewing the latest status report submitted by the chief secretary of Manipur, the bench requested Gonsalves and other lawyers from various organisations advocating for the ethnic Kuki and Meitei groups, as well as other concerned entities and the Manipur High Court bar association, to carefully review the updated report.
They were asked to provide constructive suggestions by Tuesday, aimed at bringing an end to the violence.
Gonsalves highlighted that the State Government had previously stated that 10 people lost their lives in the conflict, but the death toll has now risen to 110, with violence continuing unabated.
“Your doubts cannot lead us to take control of law and order. That is the responsibility of the Central and State Governments. This is why elected Governments exist. We are very clear about the role of the Supreme Court. At most, we can issue directions to the authorities to ensure security, and for that, we require cooperation from the parties involved,” the bench informed the senior lawyer.
The Supreme Court is currently examining a series of petitions filed by various NGOs, including one filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, which seeks Army protection for the Kuki tribe.
Dinganglung Gangmei, the chairman of the Hills Area Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, has also challenged the high court’s decision to designate the Meitei community as a scheduled tribe. Additionally, the high court bar association and other organisations have filed petitions.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State Government, said that an updated status report had been submitted as per the court’s directions. He claimed that the situation is gradually returning to normal due to concerted efforts by the Central and State Governments. When Gonsalves alleged that everyone in the State was against the Kuki tribe, the bench restrained him from further statements, asserting that the court cannot be exploited as a platform to escalate tensions in the State.
