Shillong: While Manipur is slowly limping back towards normalcy, the Supreme Court today heard the pleas on the issue that rocked the north-eastern state by ethnic violence between Meiteis and tribals, over former’s demand for inclusion in Scheduled Tribe category.
The Supreme Court said that the Manipur violence is a humanitarian issue and it is concerned deeply about the loss of lives and properties. Further, it emphasised protection, rescue, and rehabilitation of people as immediate target.
“We emphasize that due arrangements must be made in the relief camps and all necessary precautions must be taken for rehabilitation of displaced persons. Medical care should also be provided in relief camps”, said the Supreme judicial body and fixed the next hearing on May 17.
A Supreme Court panel comprising of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narashima, and JB Pardiwala heard several arguments on the situation. The bench heard three petitions, including one opposing the decision to grant the Meitei people Scheduled Tribe status and another from tribal organisation requesting a SIT investigation into recent clashes that broke out 23000 people in Manipur.