Nearly two years after violent ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in Manipur, six Supreme Court judges will visit relief camps housing internally displaced people on March 22. The visit aims to provide legal and humanitarian support to those still struggling to rebuild their lives after the May 2023 violence that left 259 dead and over 60,000 displaced, according to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Judges to Assess Legal Aid and Humanitarian Needs
The delegation includes Justice B.R. Gavai, who serves as the Executive Chairman of NALSA, along with Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh. Their visit is expected to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, where thousands remain in 349 relief camps scattered across the state.
Justice Gavai is set to virtually inaugurate legal services and medical camps in every district of Manipur, with a particular focus on providing assistance in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul districts. Special legal aid clinics will be opened to help displaced persons access government welfare schemes, rebuild lost legal documentation, and receive necessary legal assistance.
Manipur&rsquo;s Lingering Crisis
The conflict, which started on May 3, 2023, stemmed from deep-rooted ethnic and political tensions. The Meitei community, a dominant group in the valley, has been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kuki community&mdash;who inhabit the hill regions&mdash;has been advocating for a separate administration, citing systemic discrimination. The violence spiralled out of control, leading to mass displacement and the eventual imposition of President&rsquo;s Rule after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was asked to resign by the BJP&rsquo;s national leadership.
Though restrictions were lifted recently in a bid to restore normalcy, fresh incidents of violence have raised concerns about the stability of the region. The Supreme Court&rsquo;s intervention and NALSA&rsquo;s continued efforts aim to address the legal and humanitarian gaps that have persisted for nearly two years.
Legal and Medical Camps for Displaced Communities
In addition to legal aid, the Supreme Court delegation will oversee medical relief efforts. A team of 25 specialized doctors from Chennai will set up medical camps at various relief centers. The team will remain in Manipur for an extended period of six days to provide ongoing treatment, access to essential medicines, and medical support to displaced families.
NALSA has played a crucial role in aiding affected communities throughout the crisis. It has already set up 273 special legal aid clinics in relief camps, facilitating access to government benefits, medical aid, and essential documentation recovery for those who lost everything in the violence.
Ensuring Justice and Welfare for the Displaced
The visit by the six Supreme Court judges underscores NALSA&rsquo;s commitment to ensuring justice and rehabilitation for displaced individuals. The authority is working to bridge the gap between legal rights and accessibility, ensuring that every affected person can rebuild their life with dignity.
The upcoming visit coincides with the duodecennial celebrations of the Manipur High Court, marking 12 years since its establishment. It serves as a reminder of the role the judiciary plays in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Despite efforts to restore peace, tensions remain high in Manipur, and the conflict&rsquo;s underlying issues remain unresolved. The visit by the top judges of India&rsquo;s Supreme Court signals a crucial step toward accountability, legal empowerment, and relief for those still bearing the brunt of the unrest.
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People of Conflict hit Manipur were given shelter at relief camps, one such was visited by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (file photos)

Six Supreme Court judges to assess legal, medical aid for displaced in conflict-hit Manipur

SC Judges Visit Manipur Relief Camps After 22 Months

Six Supreme Court judges to assess legal, medical aid for displaced in conflict-hit Manipur

March 18, 2025 | 21:31 IST