Delhi HC requests government, Manipur administration, and UPSC to address petition for additional exam centers in Manipur amidst ethnic tensions. Plea aims to facilitate tribal aspirants’ participation in civil services exams scheduled for May 26.
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NEW DELHI: Today(14th March), the Delhi High Court has called upon the central government, the Manipur administration, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to present their views regarding a petition that demands the establishment of additional examination centers in Manipur. This request aims to address ethnic tensions, seeking to enable tribal candidates’ participation in upcoming civil services and Indian Forest Service preliminary exams.
The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and including Justice Manmeet PS Arora, has officially issued notices concerning the plea put forward by the Zomi Students Federation. The organization has advocated for the creation of new examination venues in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, areas currently embroiled in prolonged ethnic conflicts. The federation’s plea emphasizes the necessity of providing tribal candidates from Manipur’s hill districts with the means to attend the crucial exams scheduled for May 26.
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The Zomi Students Federation has also requested the reopening of the application window. This adjustment would allow candidates to select their preferred examination center, thereby accommodating those affected by the state’s unstable conditions.
During the court proceedings, the UPSC’s legal representative disclosed that the commission has already attempted to address the issue by sending three letters to the chief secretary of Manipur. These correspondences specifically proposed the opening of new examination centers in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Ukhrul. However, there has been no response from the state’s officials as of yet.
The UPSC’s counsel highlighted the necessity of collaboration between the commission and the state government to ensure proper arrangements are made for conducting the examinations. Consequently, the state’s perspective on this matter is crucial, especially regarding the feasibility of the proposed examination centers.
Furthermore, the Delhi High Court has requested the central government’s legal team to provide updates on the situation, underlining the need for security measures given the current unrest.
The recent escalation of violence in Manipur, which commenced in May 2023, is rooted in a high court directive mandating the inclusion of the non-tribal Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. This judicial decision precipitated ethnic clashes, resulting in over 160 fatalities and numerous injuries, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The Zomi Students Federation’s plea, supported by the Delhi High Court, highlights the challenges faced by students in conflict areas like Manipur, impacting their educational opportunities and civil service aspirations.
