SC: Concerned over loss of life, property, Centre, state should step up relief ops

Press Trust of India

New Delhi: Concerned over the huge loss of life and property, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Manipur government to step up relief and rehabilitation efforts for those hit by ethnic violence in the northeastern state, besides protecting places of worship, many of which were targeted during the mayhem.

While listing out steps taken to deal with the situation, the Centre told a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud that no untoward incidents have been reported in Manipur in the last two days and the situation there is gradually returning to normalcy.

More than 50 people have been killed in violent clashes between the tribals living in the Manipur hills and the majority Meitei community residing in the Imphal Valley over the latter’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Over 23,000 people have been rescued and sheltered in military garrisons and relief camps.

Terming the aftermath of the violence “humanitarian issues”, the apex court emphasised that due arrangements must be made in the relief camps and the people sheltered there be provided with basic amenities like food, ration and medical facilities. “We are concerned very deeply about the loss of lives, about the loss of properties and the government is taking steps....,” the bench, also comprising Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, said.

The bench said, having expressed its concerns, it must leave it to the government to take action because ultimately the court can’t say that go to this area with so much of equipment. The top court said it has no reason to doubt what the government is doing to tackle the situation.

The bench said the authorities should ensure that due arrangements are made in relief camps for providing all basic amenities, and make endeavour for rehabilitation of those displaced and protect places of religious worship. Mehta informed the bench that 52 companies of the central armed police forces (CAPF) and 105 columns of the Army/Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur and flag marches have been conducted in the disturbed areas.

He said a senior former police officer has been appointed as security advisor by the state and another senior officer has been repatriated yesterday from central deputation to serve as the chief secretary to the Government of Manipur. Mehta said peace meetings have been conducted and a constant vigil is being maintained.

He said helicopters and drones are being used to monitor the situation in addition to extensive deployment of security forces. Relief camps have been opened for displaced persons where ration and medical help are being provided. The top law officer also said movement of stranded persons is being facilitated by the security forces.