The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the state government to file a fresh status report on measures taken for security and relief and rehabilitation of the violence-hit people and scheduled the matter for next hearing in July.
“Law and order is a state subject. As the Supreme Court of India we will ensure that the political executive does not turn a blind eye to the situation,” the bench remarked.
A bench comprised of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala also stated that it will not deal with the legal issues arising from the Manipur High Court’s decision to grant reservation to majority Meiteis because the petitions challenging the order were pending in the division bench there.
The Apex Court took into account the security concerns of the Kuki and other tribal communities in the state and ordered that the chief secretary and his security advisor assess and take steps to ensure “peace and tranquility” in the tribal villages.
It stated that tribals can file a quota-related grievance with the Manipur High Court’s division bench.
It asked the state government submit a fresh status report on relief, security, and rehabilitation measures to assist victims of violence.
In its status report, the state government stated that it took measures to provide relief to affected people, and that over 46,000 people have been rescued and over 3,000 stranded people have been taken to airports to allow them to leave the state.
More than 60 people have been killed in clashes between tribals in Manipur’s hills and the majority Meitei community in Imphal Valley over the latter’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Previously, the Apex Court expressed concern about the massive loss of life and property in the state and asked the Centre and the Manipur government to increase relief and rehabilitation efforts for those affected by ethnic violence in the north-eastern state, as well as protect places of worship, many of which were targeted during the mayhem.
