Imphal: A five-member delegation of Supreme Court judges, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, arrived in Imphal, Manipur, on Saturday, March 22, to assess the legal and humanitarian situation in the state. The visit comes amid mounting concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 3, 2023.
The delegation reached Churachandpur, where they were received at HQ 27 Sector Assam Rifles before proceeding to visit relief camps housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Justice Gavai, who serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), is set to virtually inaugurate a series of legal services camps and medical aid initiatives across all districts of Manipur.
New legal aid clinics will be opened in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul districts to provide legal assistance to affected individuals. As part of the outreach efforts, essential relief materials will be distributed to IDPs. The legal services camps will help connect displaced individuals with government welfare programs, facilitating access to critical services such as healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and the reconstruction of identity documents.
The conflict in Manipur erupted after a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM), leading to widespread violence that necessitated the deployment of paramilitary forces by the Central government. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh welcomed the Supreme Court judges’ decision to visit the relief camps but questioned the delay in imposing President’s Rule in the violence-affected state. He emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action to restore stability in the region.
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