Manipur's tough phase to end soon: Justice Gavai

Justice BR Gavai, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, on Saturday expressed hope that the “current difficult phase” in ethnic violence-hit Manipur would be over soon with the assistance of the executive, legislature and the judiciary, and that the state would prosper like the rest of the country.

Justice Gavai and Supreme Court judges Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh and KV Vishwanathan visited a relief camp in Churachandpur district of Manipur and met internally displaced persons, officials said. Manipur High Court Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshilu were also present.

The delegation virtually inaugurated a legal services camp, a medical camp and a legal aid clinic from the Mini Secretariat at Lamka in the district, they said.

More than 250 persons have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

Addressing a gathering, Justice Gavai said, “Our Constitution is a great document. When we compare our country to our neighbouring countries, we will realise our Constitution has kept us strong and united. Have belief in the Constitution... one day, complete peace will return to Manipur and the state will prosper like the entire country.” He urged people to work together to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

Sharing his experiences of the relief camps, he expressed delight that training programmes were being imparted.

Justice N Kotiswar Singh, who was part of the delegation of the Supreme Court judges and belongs to the Meitei community, did not visit Kuki-majority Churachandpur, amid objections from a lawyers’ body there, officials said. Justice Singh culminated his journey in Bishnupur district, they added.

Justice Gavai said legal aid services would play a crucial role in ensuring displaced individuals received their rightful entitlement, be it on matters of identity of documentation, property rights or compensation claims. “I am happy to note that 265 legal aid clinics are functional in Manipur,” he said.

Stressing on the need for readmission of students who had to drop out of school due to the conflict, Justice Gavai called upon the educational institutions and the public to ensure all students completed their education. (With PTI inputs)