No Violence Reported In Manipur During Last Two Days, Normalcy Being Restored : Centre Tells Supreme Court

While recording the statement of the Union Government that no violence has taken place in the State of Manipur during the last two days and that normalcy is returning to the State, the Supreme Court on Monday asked it to ensure that due arrangements are made in relief camps in terms of food and medicines. The Court further told the Union Government to ensure that steps are taken to rehabilitate displaced persons and to protect places of worship.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union Government, told the Court that 52 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and 105 columns of Army/Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur and that flag marches have been conducted in disturbed areas. The SG further informed that a senior police officer has been appointed by the Government as security advisor. Also, a senior IAS officer was repatriated from central deputation to the State to function as its Chief Secretary amid the emergency situation. Peace meeting have been conducted and constant vigil is being maintained.

As a result of these measures, no violence has been reported in the State for last two days and situation is returning to normalcy, SG said. Curfew was relaxed today for a period of 4 hours across and it was relaxed for a few hours yesterday.

 "On ground, army, paramilitary forces and other government authorities are working. Let everything calm down", SG said while asking the bench to list the matter after a week. 

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala was considering two petitions - one, a petition filed by Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi seeking SIT probe into the violence and relief for the victims; two, another petition filed by Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dinganglung Gangmei, challenging the direction of the Manipur High Court to forward a recommendation to the Union Government to include Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list. It may be noted that the issue related to ST status for Meitei triggered the riots in the state last week.

As regards the High Court order relating to ST status of Meitei, SG said that the State Government is taking appropriate action before competent forum.

Bench shares concerns about relief camps, places of worship

The bench asked the SG about the number of relief camps opened and the number of people stationed in relief camps. The bench also asked about the provision of food and medicines in the relief camps.

The second query of the bench was regarding the persons who have been displaced due to the violence and asked about the measures taken to ensure their smooth return. Further, the bench said that some steps should be taken to protect the places of worship.

The SG said that property of every person will be protected regardless of religion.

The bench directed the Union to file a status report on these aspects by the next date of posting, May 17.

Petitioner seeks evacuation of affected persons

Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi, submitted that violence took place in the State on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. "Please see the killings and burnings that have taken place on Friday, Saturday, Sunday- when they're saying everything was okay", Gonsalves submitted. Sharing an apprehension that more attacks will take place on the coming days, he said that the petitioner is seeking urgent orders for evacuation of people from certain areas.

SG intervened to say that statements made in the court may have an adverse impact. "Let us not say something which might have an adverse impact- intended or unintended", the SG said.

CJI told Gonsalves that the proceedings before the Supreme Court should not become an opportunity to "destabilize" and advised him not to read out aloud the statements and asked him to flag the pages where the issues are highlighted.

"We are concerned very deeply about the loss of life, loss of property. We have expressed our concerns to the Government and have to leave it to the Government to take action", CJI said.

SG also made a request that the petitions may not be made public so that no adverse impact is created. 

The bench recorded the assurance given by the SG that the Union will address the concerns flagged by the petitioner.

SC questions HC order

During the hearing, the bench also made certain critical observations about the High Court direction regarding ST status for Meitei community. Addressing Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, who appeared for the petitioner who had filed by the petition in High Court, the bench said that there are several judgments of the Supreme Court which hold that the High Court cannot direct the grant of ST status to a community. CJI Chandrahcud said that the petitioner was duty bound to bring those judgments to the notice of the High Court.

"You never told the HC that this power the HC doesn't have- it's a presidential power", CJI told Hegde.