NGOs stoking ethnic tension in Manipur, says Supreme Court panel
The Supreme Court-appointed committee, led by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal, expressed concerns over elements that seem interested in perpetuating tension between communities and hindering the restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur. The committee noted that there are apprehensions that some petitioner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may not be presenting accurate and complete information to the Supreme Court.
The report highlights that the state government, taking relevant factors into consideration, had identified nine locations for the cremation and burial of victims of the ethnic violence. The kin were given the freedom to choose any of these designated places. However, the committee pointed out that civil society organizations (CSOs) are advocating for mass burials at unsuitable spots. According to the committee, such a move could serve as a persistent source of tension between communities in Manipur and impede the restoration of normalcy.
The committee’s findings suggest a complex situation where not only are there challenges in addressing the immediate concerns related to the handling of deceased bodies, but there are also broader issues concerning the role of various stakeholders in promoting peace and harmony. The alleged misinformation or withholding of facts by some petitioner NGOs adds another layer of complexity to the overall situation. Resolving these challenges may require a comprehensive and collaborative effort involving all stakeholders to ensure an accurate representation of facts and to work towards sustainable peace in Manipur.
The Supreme Court-appointed committee, led by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal, has reported on troubling incidents involving civil society organizations (CSOs) in Manipur. On August 3, the CSOs allegedly attempted an illegal mass burial at a government sericulture farm, prompting thousands of people to march to the site and creating a law-and-order situation. The intervention of the central government was necessary to postpone the event.
The committee detailed a distressing method of protest employed by CSOs, describing a row of about 50 coffins placed directly opposite the entrance of the deputy commissioner’s office in Churachandpur. This form of protest, according to the committee, has been a constant source of deep pain and agony for those who have lost their near and dear ones in the ethnic violence.
The incidents highlight the volatile and sensitive nature of the situation in Manipur, where not only are there challenges related to the handling of deceased bodies and the resolution of ethnic conflicts, but there are also concerns about the methods of protest and demonstrations used by various groups. The Supreme Court-appointed committee’s report sheds light on the complexities involved in achieving peace and harmony in the region and emphasizes the need for careful and considerate approaches in addressing the multifaceted issues at hand.
The Supreme Court-appointed committee, led by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal, has reported on troubling incidents involving civil society organizations (CSOs) in Manipur. On August 3, the CSOs allegedly attempted an illegal mass burial at a government sericulture farm, prompting thousands of people to march to the site and creating a law-and-order situation. The intervention of the central government was necessary to postpone the event.
The committee detailed a distressing method of protest employed by CSOs, describing a row of about 50 coffins placed directly opposite the entrance of the deputy commissioner’s office in Churachandpur. This form of protest, according to the committee, has been a constant source of deep pain and agony for those who have lost their near and dear ones in the ethnic violence.
The incidents highlight the volatile and sensitive nature of the situation in Manipur, where not only are there challenges related to the handling of deceased bodies and the resolution of ethnic conflicts, but there are also concerns about the methods of protest and demonstrations used by various groups. The Supreme Court-appointed committee’s report sheds light on the complexities involved in achieving peace and harmony in the region and emphasizes the need for careful and considerate approaches in addressing the multifaceted issues at hand.
The Supreme Court-appointed committee, led by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal, has expressed deep concern over the demoralizing impact that the display of coffins by civil society organizations (CSOs) is having on both state government officials and the inhabitants of the district in Manipur. The report highlights that the continuous display of coffins is not only distressing for those who have lost their near and dear ones but also creates a perpetual source of angst and tension in the district.
The committee noted that state government officials have been providing round-the-clock, unstinted service to displaced populations and making every possible effort to bring normalcy to their lives. The display of coffins, according to the committee, is not only demoralizing for these officials but also exacerbates the already challenging situation in Manipur.
In response to these concerns, the committee has requested the Supreme Court to direct CSOs not to interfere in the acceptance of ex gratia payments and bodies by relatives for the performance of last rites. Furthermore, the committee suggested that if the bodies are not accepted by relatives within a specified time, authorities should be directed to carry out the last rites free of charge as per the Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994.
The recommendations emphasize the need for a balanced and sensitive approach to address the challenges in Manipur, considering the emotional and psychological impact on the affected families and the efforts of government officials to restore normalcy in the region. The Supreme Court will likely play a crucial role in guiding the resolution process and ensuring that actions are taken in the best interest of the affected communities.
