Manipur Violence: Centre files affidavit in SC, Transfers Investigation to CBI

The Centre has filed an affidavit in  Supreme Court regarding Manipur violence. Supreme Court to hear Manipur violence today. The Centre on Thursday through its affidavit informed the Supreme Court that the approach of the Central government is of “zero tolerance towards any crimes against women” and apprised it that it has decided to transfer the case of the viral video of two women to the CBI.  The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) urged the court to transfer the trial outside Manipur to ensure a time-bound conclusion of the trial. The incident came to light through the leak of a video of the assault, and seven persons have been arrested in connection with the case so far.

The Supreme Court had previously expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that using women as instruments for violence is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy. The court directed both the Centre and the Manipur government to take immediate remedial, rehabilitative, and preventive actions and provide updates on the measures taken.

In response, the Centre stated that the Government of Manipur had recommended transferring the case to the CBI for further investigation. The Centre requested the trial to be held in a state outside Manipur and asked the court to conclude the trial within six months from the date of filing the charge sheet by the CBI.

The Centre emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and considered the offenses in this case as heinous and deserving of serious attention. To prevent similar incidents, the Manipur government formed psychological support teams in relief camps and mandated that all such cases be reported to the Director General of Police (DGP) by the police station in-charge. An all-women team of medical professionals was assigned to assist the victims, and legal aid was offered through the District Legal Services Authority.

The ethnic violence in Manipur, which escalated after the video surfaced, has resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum planned a protest march to highlight their plight, adding to the tension in the region.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear pleas related to the Manipur ethnic violence on July 28.