In a recent report submitted to the Supreme Court, the Manipur government revealed that 142 people have lost their lives in the ongoing violence in the state over the past two months. The report further stated that a staggering 5,000 incidents of arson have occurred since May, with Imphal East and Imphal West districts witnessing the highest number of casualties.
According to the Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, who filed the status report before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha, a total of 5,995 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed, and 6,745 individuals have been taken into custody to maintain law and order. Additionally, six cases have been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.
To combat the situation, the state government outlined several measures taken to restore normalcy and address the unrest. The security deployment is under constant review, with a standard operating procedure (SOP) in place to effectively manage any emergency situations. The report highlighted the presence of 124 companies of paramilitary forces and 184 Army columns on the ground to maintain peace and stability.
Efforts are being made to connect students residing in relief camps with nearby schools, and competitive exams have been conducted in the state as part of the government’s initiatives. However, the state government acknowledged the prolonged suspension of internet connectivity for the past two months and assured the court that steps are being taken to conditionally relax the ban on a case-by-case basis.
The curfew relaxation hours are being extended based on local conditions and assessments, aiming to strike a balance between maintaining security and allowing essential activities to resume. In its plea to the petitioners, the government urged them to refrain from mentioning specific tribes during arguments, emphasizing that doing so could adversely impact the situation on the ground.
The Supreme Court had previously directed the state government to provide an updated report outlining the measures taken to halt the violence and facilitate the rehabilitation of affected individuals.
The situation in Manipur remains a cause for concern, with the government continuing its efforts to restore peace and normalcy while ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny and directives play a crucial role in holding authorities accountable and guiding the necessary actions to address the ongoing violence.
Sources By Agencies
