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Synopsis

The Manipur Tribal Forum, Delhi (MTFD) has informed the Supreme Court that empty assurances given by Union of India (UOI) on peace being restored in Manipur, as both the UOI and the Chief Minister of the State have embarked jointly on a communal agenda for the ethnic cleansing of the Kukis.

An intervention application has been filed by MTFD on the issue of ethnic cleansing of the Kukis by armed communal organisation, "Arambai Tenggol” and “Meitei Leepun”.

Relying on the prayers made in its writ petition, the application adds, 

"Petitioner brought this to the notice of this court on 8.05.2023 and sought protection by the army since the State and its Police force were not trusted by the tribals. This court made an order asking the authorities to ensure that the grievances will be looked into and peace restored. Solicitor General gave assurance to that effect. This assurance was not kept. In the hearing on 17.05.2023 urgent reliefs were sought for protection of the tribals. These reliefs were not granted. Rather the Solicitor General assured the court that peace was being restored. This assurance given was not true. After the giving of these assurances over 81 Kukis were killed, 237 churches and 73 administration building/quarter were burnt and 141 villages destroyed and 31410 Kukis displaced from their homes. The assurances of the authorities are not useful anymore and made in a non-serious fashion and are not even intended to be implemented."

Court has been further told that while the Meitei community and the tribals have had differences, yet they have co-existed for decades.

"The media has covered the situation as a “clash” as if the two communities are fundamentally attacking each other. Nothing could be further from the truth. Such a narrative misses the fact that the two communities have co-existed for a long time despite their sometime deep rooted differences and, secondly, that the unique situation presently existing is of a couple of armed communal groups linked to the party in power in the State, carrying out a predesigned communal attack on the tribals. The “clash” narrative camouflages the presence of these two groups behind all the attacks and renders them immune from prosecution thereby emboldening them to carry on further attacks. Unless the members of these groups and their leaders are arrested and prosecuted, any semblance of peace will be fragile....", the application submits.

Amidst tensions escalating in the State of Manipur, two Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) were filed before the Supreme Court against the High Court's order directing the Centre and the State governments to include the Meetei/Meitei community of the State in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Indian Constitution as a "tribe" of Manipur.

Moreover, the plea filed by Manipur Tribal Forum sought directions to the Centre and the State to evacuate the Manipuri Tribals who fled to CRPF Lamphel Camp (3500 people), CRPF Camp near the DC office (700 people approximately), Koirengei Camp (300 people) as well as small pockets of tribals held up in Imphal (both east and west) as well as the villages surrounding Imphal Valley and take them to their respective Hill District under central forces escort to their respective areas of residence in the hill districts.

On May 17, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the State of Manipur had sought an extension of one year from the High Court and not a stay, against the order directing the Centre and the State governments to include the Meetei/Meitei community of the State in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Indian Constitution as a "tribe" of Manipur.

"Considering the position on the ground, we chose not to seek stay, and only seek an extension of one year from the High Court, as it would have impact on the situation on the ground...", a CJI Chandrachud led bench was told.

The SG made this submission after the bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud with Justices Pardiwala and Narasimha had asked about the proceedings before the High Court in the instant matter.

The Supreme Court was further informed today about the steps taken by the State of Manipur in rehabilitating the people. In this regard, an affidavit was placed on record. A total of 318 relief camps have been opened where more than 47914 persons have been given relief, SG Mehta had told the bench.

"Free passage of people from relief/safe locations to airport/native places is taking place and about 3124 people have been helped through flights. 62 companies of CaPF and 126 columns of army/Assam rifles have been deployed for assisting, Rapid action force and army deployed across various areas. Foot patrolling in critical areas. DMs are taking measures to shift people to their hometowns and bout 3124 people helped through flights", the SG had submitted.

Court had then directed that a status report be filed on reopening after vacations. As a constitutional court we should be apprised periodically, the CJI said.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the State of Manipur to make due arrangements in the relief camps organised by the government and all necessary precautions must be taken for rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Case Title: Manipur Tribal Forum, Delhi vs. State of Manipur and Anr.