Imphal: The Manipur Tribal Forum has filed an Interlocutory Application (IA) in the Supreme Court of India, seeking protection from the Indian Army. They argue that they can no longer rely on the "empty assurances" of the Union of India, as both the central and state governments are allegedly pursuing a communal agenda aimed at ethnic cleansing of the Kukis.
According to Live Law, the Forum claims that the Kukis, a tribal group, are being subjected to ethnic cleansing by an armed communal organization. They express a lack of trust in the state police forces and appeal to the Apex Court for protection. Despite previous assurances given by the Solicitor General during the last hearing, no relief has been provided thus far.
The Forum highlights the significant atrocities committed against the Kuki community, including the killing of 81 individuals, burning of 237 churches and 73 administrative buildings, destruction of 141 villages, and displacement of 31,410 Kukis from their homes. They contend that the authorities' assurances are no longer meaningful and lack sincerity.
While questioning the credibility of the Commission of Inquiry established by the central government, led by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba, the Forum requests its dissolution and replacement with a single-member commission headed by former Delhi High Court Chief Justice and Law Commission chairperson AP Shah.
The Forum disputes the media portrayal of clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities, stating that they have historically coexisted despite their differences. They allege that the attacks are orchestrated by two groups: the Arambai Tenggol, supported by the state machinery, and the Meitei Leepun, an organization with a Meitei nationalist agenda.
Additionally, the Forum raises concerns about the handling of deceased bodies, emphasizing the need for cold storage facilities and immediate autopsies. They criticize the inadequate relief camps established in the state.
The IA also argues that the law and order situation in Manipur has not improved, as it remains under the control of the current Chief Minister, who hails from the dominant community. The Forum urges the Supreme Court to direct the Indian Army to assume control of several districts and calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to independently investigate and prosecute those responsible for the assaults on the tribal community.
Advocate Satya Mitra filed the IA on behalf of the Forum, with assistance from Advocates Hetvi Patel and Kaoliangpou Kamei.
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