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The Manipur government has voiced its preference for conducting civil services preliminary exams outside the troubled northeastern state, particularly for candidates from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.

During a Delhi High Court hearing, the Manipur government's counsel relayed the state's stance on a plea seeking additional exam centers for civil services and Indian Forest Service aspirants. The counsel cited assurance from the state's chief secretary, promising financial assistance to facilitate candidates' travel to centers beyond the state, which grapples with prolonged ethnic tensions.

Acknowledging Manipur's stance, a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan suggested replicating the 2023 approach of holding exams outside the state, directing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) counsel to seek guidance accordingly.

"We'll follow the 2023 pattern then. We'll ask UPSC for guidance. Initially, we are inclined towards this view," noted the bench, including Justice Manmeet PS Arora.

The court instructed UPSC's counsel to seek clarification on the matter.

Last week, the Zomi Students Federation urged the court for exam centers in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, alongside reopening the application window for candidates to choose centers.

Referring to a letter from the Manipur chief secretary, the state's counsel highlighted the need to maintain exam integrity by considering centers outside Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, proposing financial support for candidates from these districts.

"It is the considered opinion of the State Government that... it may not be appropriate to provide centers at Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts for UPSC civil services examinations... they may be considered for allotment at the nearest centers outside the State of Manipur as done in 2023," the letter stated.

UPSC's counsel previously informed the court about correspondence with Manipur's chief secretary for centers in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Ukhrul, with no response received.

Manipur plunged into violence in May 2023 after a high court order to consider including the non-tribal Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list, sparking ethnic clashes. Since May 3, when ethnic violence erupted during a 'Tribal Solidarity March,' over 160 deaths and several hundred injuries have been reported.