On November 20, 2023, the Manipur government informed the Supreme Court of India that it had deposited ₹5 crore into a dedicated bank account to provide compensation to women who had been victims of sexual assault and other crimes committed since May 3, 2023, when ethnic violence erupted in the state. This decision was made in response to a petition filed by Human Rights Alert (HRA), a non-profit organization, seeking compensation for the victims of the violence.
The ethnic violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, when a group of Kukis attacked a group of Nagas, killing several people and injuring many others. The violence quickly spread to other parts of the state, and it took several days for the security forces to bring the situation under control.
As a result of the violence, many women were subjected to sexual assault and other crimes. HRA filed a petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of these women, seeking compensation for their suffering. The Supreme Court admitted the petition and directed the Manipur government to provide compensation to the victims.
On November 20, 2023, the Manipur government informed the Supreme Court that it had deposited ₹5 crore into a dedicated bank account for the purpose of disbursing compensation to the victims. The court expressed satisfaction with the government’s action and directed it to finalize the process of disbursing compensation as soon as possible.
The decision of the Manipur government to provide compensation to the victims of the ethnic violence is a welcome step. It is important to remember that the victims of violence often suffer long-term psychological and emotional trauma. Providing compensation can help them to meet their immediate needs and to rebuild their lives.
In addition to providing compensation, the Manipur government should also take steps to prevent future outbreaks of violence. The 2023 Manipur violence refers to a series of ethnic clashes that erupted in the Indian state of Manipur on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei people, a majority group that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills. The violence has claimed the lives of hundreds of people and displaced thousands more.
The clashes were sparked by a decision by the Manipur government to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis, a move that was opposed by the Kukis. The Kukis argued that the move would give the Meiteis an unfair advantage in terms of access to jobs and education.
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