In a pivotal move aimed at ensuring justice and accountability, a sessions court in Manipur’s Churachandpur district has been officially designated as a special court. This crucial development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address the widespread ethnic violence that has plagued the state for the past two years. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already taken the reins of several high-profile cases stemming from the unrest, intensifying the legal battle against perpetrators.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification on Thursday, confirming that the Court of District and Sessions Judge, Churachandpur, will now function as a Special Court under Section 11 of the NIA Act, 2008. This decision, made in close consultation with the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to a robust legal response. The MHA statement explicitly outlined the court’s mandate: “The Central Government, in consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, hereby designates the Court of District and Sessions Judge, Churachandpur District, Manipur as the Special Court… for the trial of the Scheduled Offences investigated by the National Investigation Agency.”
Notably, the jurisdiction of this newly designated special court will span across the entire state of Manipur, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all NIA-investigated cases related to the ethnic violence.
The NIA is currently delving into three major cases that emerged from the horrific violence which first erupted on May 3, 2023. Among these is the deeply disturbing case of the abduction and murder of six women and children in Jiribam, an incident that sent shockwaves across the nation. The agency formally registered these cases in November 2024, following the MHA’s decision to transfer investigations, acknowledging the extreme severity of the crimes and the deteriorating law and order situation.
The genesis of the ethnic tensions can be traced back to protests by Kuki-Zo tribal groups against a Manipur High Court recommendation that sought to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. This ignited a brutal and protracted period of violent clashes between the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo communities, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.
The tragic violence has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands of residents, leaving Manipur in a persistent state of volatility. Despite various attempts at reconciliation, deep divisions and intermittent unrest continue to plague the state.
President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, subsequent to the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly, whose tenure extends until 2027, was subsequently placed under suspended animation, highlighting the severity of the governance crisis.
Since the imposition of President’s Rule, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been at the helm of administrative efforts, striving to stabilise the precarious situation. Central authorities have also attempted to reopen critical roadways and restore public order, but these efforts have yielded limited progress due to the persistent underlying tensions. The designation of this special NIA court thus represents a significant stride in the legal pursuit of justice, aiming to hold those responsible for the prolonged crisis fully accountable.