NEW DELHI: A delegation of Supreme Court judges led by Justice BR Gavai, has arrived in Manipur’s Imphal to visit relief camps in the violence-hit northeastern state.
Their visit aims to assess the situation and enhance legal and humanitarian support for those affected by the ongoing conflict.
The delegation includes Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotishwar.
The delegation has arrived to provide assistance and ensure access to justice for the displaced communities. The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the crisis, and this visit is seen as a major step in addressing concerns on the ground. Authorities are making arrangements for their visit to the relief camps.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck a relief camp in Churachandpur district, where a nine-year-old girl was found dead early Friday. She had gone missing the previous evening, prompting a search by her family.
Officials reported that her body was discovered within the camp compound with multiple injuries, particularly on her throat, along with bloodstains. It is suspected that she was raped, though confirmation awaits a post-mortem examination.
Manipur has been dealing with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, when clashes erupted between the Meitei majority and the Kuki tribal community following a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM).
The conflict has led to hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement, prompting the central government to deploy paramilitary forces to restore order.
In February, chief minister N Biren Singh resigned following nearly two years of unrest. The state has been under President’s Rule since then.
The ongoing violence is rooted in deep-seated ethnic tensions that have simmered for decades, exacerbating divisions between the Hindu Meiteis and the Christian Kuki tribes.