SC judge urges Manipur people to work together for restoring peace, harmony

Justice B.R. Gavai, who led a delegation of Supreme Court judges that visited Manipur on Saturday, 22 March, called upon people of the ethnic strife-torn state to work together to restore peace and harmony.

Gavai, along with Supreme Court judges Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh and K.V. Vishwanathan, visited a relief camp in Churachandpur district and met internally displaced persons, officials said.

They also 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.

Chief Justice of Manipur High Court D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshilu were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Gavai said, "The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to all citizens of the country."

He also urged the people of the state to restore peace and normalcy.

He said that the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), of which he is the executive chairman, has sanctioned Rs 2.5 crore for providing relief materials to internally displaced persons, besides the Rs 1.5 crore given earlier.

He said that 109 medical camps have been set up across the state to provide basic healthcare services.

Justice Gavai also stressed upon the need for readmission of students who had to drop out of school due to the conflict.

He called upon the educational institutions and the public to ensure all students complete their education.

Earlier in the day, the top court delegation was accorded a warm welcome by the lawyers' fraternity of the state at Imphal airport.

Later, they visited the Sadbhavana Mandap relief centre and interacted with the internally displaced persons.

Several health officials were also facilitated by the judges.

'Sanad' was distributed among 41 newly enrolled advocates and stationery was distributed among IDP students.

More than 250 people 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.

Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, who was also part of the delegation but did not visit Churachandpur amid objections from a lawyers body there, said the judges’ visit will provide a "healing touch" to the people affected by the violence and "instil hope" among them.

Speaking to reporters at Moirang in Bishnupur district, Justice Singh said, "We should not live in the past, pain or tragedy that has taken place. We must look forward to a brighter future where we all can live together. It may take time, but we must be hopeful and remain positive," he added.