The Supreme Court, reopening after a 42-day summer break, sought a detailed status report from the Manipur government on the measures taken to curb ethnic violence in the state, along with steps taken for rehabilitation camps for homeless and violence-affected people, deployment of forces, and the law and order situation.
A Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, was hearing petitions regarding the violence in Manipur, including a plea of an NGO seeking Army protection for the minority Kuki tribals and action against groups attacking them.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre and Manipur government told the Supreme Court that the situation is improving in the State, though slowly. "Apart from civil police, Manipur rifles, companies of CAPF, 114 columns of army and Manipur Commandos are there," he said.
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He further appealed to not give a "communal angle" to the issue. "My learned friend may not give this a communal angle- like Christians or something. Real human beings are being dealt with," he said.
Advocate Colin Gonsalves said the situation in Manipur has become "very extreme". "As long as these armed groups are not disbanded, it will escalate. Last night, 3 tribals killed and 1 beheaded, first beheading of tribals.The Kukis are not attacking. Kukis are defending. Meitis are crossing the lines. The army has stated that they're not being allowed to do their job..." he said.
The CJI in response said that they will look at the status report. The matter has been posted for hearing on July 10.
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Meanwhile, fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Sunday with at least four people being killed, including one case where police said the victim had been beheaded. Following the incident, the 12-hour curfew relaxation in Bishnupur was curtailed to five hours. Chief Minister Biren Singh went to the spot of fresh violence to take stock of the situation and interacted with the locals.
