Today, On 22nd March, Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai assured the people of Manipur that peace will soon be restored. He acknowledged their struggles and urged them to trust the Constitution. He emphasized that with everyone’s support, the difficult times will end soon. His message aimed to bring hope and unity to the violence-affected state.
Manipur: A delegation of Supreme Court judges visited individuals displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur on Saturday, assuring them that “peace will return to the state soon.”
The delegation was led by Justice BR Gavai, who stated,
“Peace will soon return to Manipur. We understand that you are all enduring a challenging time, but with everyone’s support, this phase will come to an end shortly. Have faith in the Constitution. Our Constitution will ultimately ensure that peace is fully restored to the state. One day, we will overcome this.”
He delivered these reassurances to internally displaced persons in Churachandpur district.
The judges visited relief camps and virtually inaugurated legal service initiatives, legal aid clinics, and temporary medical facilities from the Mini Secretariat in Churachandpur district.
They are also scheduled to visit a relief camp at Moirang College in Bishnupur.
Justice N Kotiswar Singh, a member of the delegation and associated with the Meitei community, opted not to visit the Kuki-majority Churachandpur district due to objections from a local lawyers’ association.
An official stated that Justice Singh will instead proceed to Bishnupur district.
Also Read: [Manipur Violence] Lawyers Oppose Ban on Meitei SC Judge’s Visit to Churachandpur
The All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has urged its Churachandpur counterpart to retract its directive that prevents a Meitei Supreme Court judge from visiting the Kuki-Zo-dominated area.
In response to the Supreme Court judges’ visit to Manipur, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh commented,
“Supreme Court judges are in Manipur. That’s a good thing. Sixty thousand people have been displaced in Manipur and hundreds have been killed. There is an atmosphere of fear in society. Why does the Prime Minister not visit Manipur? He does not answer this. Why was President’s Rule imposed so late? There is no answer to that either.”
The Supreme Court judges are also expected to attend an event at the High Court of Manipur on Sunday.
Since May 2023, over 250 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjacent hills.