Supreme Court Judge, Justice B.R. Gavai, who led a delegation of apex court judges to Manipur, has expressed optimism that a resolution to the state's prolonged ethnic strife will be reached soon.
Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Justice Gavai remarked that those residing in relief camps were in a "good mood" and keen to return to normalcy. "The people in the relief camps are in a good mood, and they all want to return to normalcy and peace. I spoke to both the groups, and I am quite hopeful that a solution will come out very soon," he stated.
The Supreme Court delegation, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotishwar, visited Manipur on Saturday.
The visit coincided with the duodecennial celebrations in Imphal, where the delegation inaugurated the Secretariat of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, as well as several other judicial infrastructure projects.
The judges also met officials and interacted with local representatives.
During their visit, the delegation toured a relief camp in Churachandpur, one of the worst-affected areas in the ethnic conflict that has plagued the state for nearly two years.
Also read: 'Our visit will give Manipur a healing touch': Justice Singh
Justice Gavai, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), inaugurated legal services and medical camps across various districts, including new legal aid clinics in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Justice Gavai emphasised the role of legal and healthcare services in ensuring justice.
"For the principle of justice and also access to health care is important. I, along with the team, assure you that we stand with you. It's our responsibility to work together for the society.
The whole nation will come together so that this problem will be sorted," he affirmed.
Manipur has been in turmoil since 3 May 2023, when violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities following a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM).
The unrest quickly engulfed the state, necessitating the deployment of paramilitary forces by the Central government to restore order.
On 13 February this year, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution, five days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tendered his resignation.
The Supreme Court’s intervention in the crisis has been widely regarded as a significant step towards conflict resolution, with hopes pinned on the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice and reconciliation in the strife-torn state.
Follow us
