The visit of Supreme Court judges to strife-torn Manipur will provide a "healing touch" to those affected by violence and "instil hope" among them, observed Justice N Kotiswar Singh.
He emphasised that challenges in the state could be surmounted if people adhered to constitutional values.
Speaking at an event marking the 12th anniversary of the Manipur High Court on Sunday, Singh said, "Manipur, as a small state, is not without challenges but fortunately we have the Constitution, which provides us guidance to work in difficult times."
Justice Singh, part of the Supreme Court judges' delegation led by Justice B R Gavai, said the team witnessed much optimism among people during their visit to Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts.
"There is so much optimism in Churachandpur and Bishnupur. There are challenges, which we can overcome if we abide by constitutional values," he said.
Highlighting Churachandpur's rich traditions and contributions to the legal system, he said, "Churachandpur has rich traditions and a vibrant community. Lots of people from Imphal used to go to Churachandpur for various reasons. We have seen Churachandpur's contribution to the legal system and the judiciary. It has produced two eminent judges of Manipur High Court."
Also read: Justice Gavai urges unity to end Manipur's ethnic conflict
He called upon people to strengthen the country rather than weaken it, and assured lawyers at the event that "hard work and sincerity will be recognised. Don't feel left out because you are in a far-flung state like Manipur. Continue your work diligently. Hard work is always recognised."
Earlier on Saturday, the delegation of Supreme Court judges visited relief camps and interacted with internally displaced persons.
They also virtually inaugurated a legal services camp, a medical camp, and a legal aid clinic from the Mini Secretariat at Lamka in Churachandpur district.
Justice B R Gavai expressed hope that the "current difficult phase" in ethnic strife-torn Manipur would soon pass with the assistance of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, allowing the state to prosper like the rest of the country.
He urged people to work together to restore peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, at least four militants of the banned United National Liberation Front (Pambei) outfit were injured in a clash with members of the Meitei radical organisation Arambai Tenggol in Manipur's Imphal East district, police said on Sunday.
The injured militants were taken into police custody and treated at a hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable, a police officer said.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when around 15-20 members of Arambai Tenggol barged into the residence of a UNLF militant, identified as Irengbam Nandakumar Singh (56), in Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai and attacked insurgents of the Imphal Valley-based outfit, he said.
Since May 2023, ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in the adjoining hills has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced thousands.
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