Supreme Court Petition Seeks Evacuation and Safety of Manipur Tribals Amidst Clashes

New Delhi (India), May 7, 2023: A public interest litigation (PIL) petition was filed before the Supreme Court on Saturday, urging the Central and State governments to ensure the safe evacuation of Manipuri tribals who had sought refuge in CRPF camps. The petition also called for providing them with security escorts to reach their residences without harm.

Filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, the PIL alleged that the attacks on tribal communities in Manipur had the backing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at both the state and central levels. It further claimed that no FIRs had been registered for the reported killings and injuries inflicted on the tribal population.

The petitioner sought the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former Director General of Police Harekrishna Deka, to ensure the prosecution of those responsible.

The clashes in Manipur arose from the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which was opposed by certain tribes. The Manipur High Court had ordered the state government to consider including the Meitei/Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, leading to tensions between tribal and non-tribal groups.

The PIL before the Supreme Court also requested immediate security measures in the areas where the tribals currently reside, as well as the reconstruction of churches affected by the violence. Another petition challenging the High Court’s order on Scheduled Tribe status has been filed by Hill Areas Committee Chairperson and BJP MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, asserting that there is no pending proposal for the inclusion of Meiteis with the Central government.

With the situation in Manipur becoming increasingly volatile, the PIL before the Supreme Court seeks urgent action to safeguard the lives of displaced Manipuri tribals.

It alleges the complicity of the ruling BJP in the attacks on tribal communities and the absence of proper investigation or legal action. The petition urges the evacuation of the tribals from CRPF camps and their safe return to their residences under security escort.

Additionally, it calls for the formation of an SIT, headed by former DGP Harekrishna Deka, to prosecute the assailants. The clashes in Manipur erupted due to the dispute over granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community, as ordered by the Manipur High Court. The PIL also highlights the need for immediate security measures in the affected areas and the reconstruction of damaged churches.

Another petition, challenging the High Court’s order, has been filed by BJP MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, contending that there is no existing proposal for the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list.