CHURACHANDPUR: Hundreds of Meiteis and Kukis living in separate relief camps in Manipur pleaded with a delegation of Supreme Court and HC judges Saturday to help restore their homes and lands lost in the ethnic violence that has torn the state apart.
Led by Justices B R Gavai, Vikram Nath and M M Sundresh from top court, along with Manipur HC Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshuillu, the in the hills and Bishnupur district in Imphal valley. They assured displaced families of legal aid services and pledged support for their return.
Justice N Kotiswar Singh, a Meitei judge who did not visit Churachandpur due to opposition from a local legal group, joined the SC judges in Bishnupur. “We should not live in the past, pain, or tragedy that has taken place,” he said. “We must look forward to a brighter future where we all can live together. It may take time, but we must be hopeful and remain positive.”
The conflict between Meiteis of Imphal valley and Kuki-Zo tribal population of the hills has fuelled unrest in Manipur since May 2023, displacing 60,000 people and claiming over 260 lives. The people forced from their homes are now sheltering in 290 camps across the valley and hills.
“For a just society, principles of accessibility, access to justice, access to healthcare, and access to opportunities that empower individuals to lead dignified lives are very important. Our efforts today are a reflection of this commitment,” said Justice Gavai while addressing displaced families in Churachandpur.
The 400 inhabitants of one camp greeted the judges with smiles. Some played guitars, singing “We Shall Overcome” and “Hum Honge Kamyab,” while children & women waited in their modest shelters.
The delegation inaugurated 265 legal aid clinics within displaced communities, offering free legal assistance, and announced medical aid services in 109 relief camps across the state. “It is our moral and constitutional duty to ensure that they are not left behind,” Justice Gavai said, highlighting the plight of women and children uprooted from their homes.
In Bishnupur, about 200 displaced Meiteis submitted a memorandum, urging resettlement with adequate security. “The Meitei villages in Churachandpur have historically belonged to our community, but increasing encroachment threatens our rightful ownership,” they wrote. Security was tightened around the relief camps for the visit.
