Northeast Desk, 14th September: The central government has granted an extension until November 20 for the Commission of Inquiry to submit its report on the violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 220 lives since May 2023. Initially set up on June 3, 2023, the commission, headed by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba, was expected to complete its investigation within six months.
Comprising former IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar, the commission was tasked with probing the causes, spread, and impact of the violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The inquiry will examine any potential lapses or dereliction of duty by authorities and assess the adequacy of administrative measures taken to address the violence.
The ethnic unrest began on May 3, 2023, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was held in protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The clashes have since left more than 220 people dead, displaced thousands, and led to the destruction of homes and properties.
The Commission of Inquiry was originally scheduled to submit its findings by December 2023, but the ongoing investigations have required more time. In its extended mandate, the commission will continue to hear complaints and allegations from individuals and associations.
The violence has drawn widespread attention, prompting the government of Manipur to recommend the establishment of the commission in May 2023. The central government approved this recommendation, recognizing the need for an in-depth inquiry into the incidents under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.
As the commission approaches the new deadline, its findings are anticipated to shed light on the sequence of events and responsibilities related to the tragic incidents in Manipur.
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