Justice BR Gavai, who led a delegation of Supreme Court judges that visited Manipur on Saturday, called upon people of the ethnic strife-torn state to work together to restore peace and harmony. Justice Gavai, along with Supreme Court judges Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh and KV Vishwanathan, visited a relief camp in Churachandpur district and met internally displaced persons. They also virtually inaugurated a legal services camp, a medical camp and a legal aid clinic from the Mini Secretariat at Lamka in the district.
Chief Justice of Manipur High Court, Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshilu were also present. Addressing the gathering, Justice Gavai said, “The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to all citizens of the country.” He also urged the people of the state to restore peace and normalcy.
He said that the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), of which he is the executive chairman, has sanctioned Rs 2.5 Crore for providing relief materials to internally displaced persons, besides the Rs 1.5 crore given earlier. He said that 109 medical camps have been set up across the state to provide basic healthcare services.
Justice Gavai also stressed the need for readmission of students who had to drop out of school due to the conflict. He called upon the educational institutions and the public to ensure all students complete their education. Earlier in the day, the top court delegation was accorded a warm welcome by the lawyers’ fraternity of the State at Imphal airport.
“I must place on record my deep appreciation for the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court who has taken keen initiatives in organising these relief camps and the district legal services authority for coming to the aid of those who needed help,” he added.
Justice Gavai said that the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), of which he is the executive chairman, has sanctioned Rs 2.5 Crore for providing relief materials to internally displaced persons, besides the Rs 1.5 Crore given earlier. He said NALSA tries to reach out to the remotest parts of the country. “For a just society, the principles of accessibility to justice, healthcare and opportunities that empowers individuals are very important,” he added.
Legal aid services will play a crucial role in ensuring displaced individuals receive their rightful entitlement, be it on matters of identity of documentation, property rights or compensation claims. I am happy to note that 265 legal aid clinics are functional in Manipur. “Legal aid clinics set up within the displaced community will offer free legal assistance, empowering people to seek justice and protect their rights. I urge all displaced individuals to take advantage of these services... Law is not just a profession but a tool for social transformation,” Justice Gavai added.
Later, they visited the Sadbhavana Mandap relief centre and interacted with the internally displaced persons. Several health officials were also facilitated by the judges. ‘Sanad’ was distributed among 41 newly enrolled advocates and stationery was distributed among IDP students.
However, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, who was part of the delegation of the Supreme Court judges and belongs to the Meitei community, did not visit Kuki-majority Churachandpur, amid objections from a lawyers’ body there, officials said, adding that Justice Singh culminated his journey in Bishnupur district.
The All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) urged its Churachandpur district counterpart to withdraw its directive preventing a Meitei judge of the Supreme Court from visiting the Kuki-Zo-dominated area.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)
