HC judgment not cause but catalyst to crisis: Ex-Chief Justice Mridul
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 17 2025: Former chief justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice Siddharth Mridul has said that the judgment of the Court in April, 2023 was not the cause of the crisis in the state but it acted as a catalyst, while observing that both external and internal factors are at play in exacerbating the crisis.

In an interview with BBC, the retired justice discussed the ongoing crisis in Manipur, reflected on factors that led to the violence, the role of external and internal forces, and the challenges in restoring normalcy in the state.

On being asked whether the Manipur crisis was triggered by a judgment of the Manipur High Court, Justice Mridul denied that the decree was the cause of the conflict but acknowledged that it acted as a catalyst.

HC judgment not cause but catalyst to crisis: Ex-Chief Justice Mridul

He stated that there were already deep-rooted tensions in the state, with the Meetei community demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the Kuki-Zo communities Opposing it over concerns related to land and reservation.

Mridul remarked that the judgment "was the spark that set this powder keg ablaze", though discontent had been brewing for a long time.

Regarding the presence of unseen forces exacerbating the violence, Justice Mridul noted that while no entity had been held accountable, both internal and external factors were at play.

He highlighted the influx of refugees from Myanmar, particularly from Shan and Chin states, into Manipur and Mizoram, most of whom are from Kuki-Zo community.

Notably, the government has claimed that some of these refugees include militants who aim to destabilise Manipur, pointing out that most of the refugees are Christians.

However, Justice Mridul stated that such unrest would not be possible without the involvement of local people, emphasising that internal participation was a crucial factor in the ongoing violence.

Speaking about the legal proceedings, he pointed out that the violence erupted on May 3 following the High Court's judgment.

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the violence and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incidents.

He, however, noted that charge sheets had not been filed in most cases, leaving the question of accountability still unresolved.

On the issue of challenges he or any official posted in the state face, Justice Mridul stated that anyone visiting Manipur would face immense challenges given the current situation.

He remarked that the resignation of chief minister N Biren was inevitable, as people from all communities were dissatisfied with the government and had been demanding concrete steps to restore peace.

When asked whether people would relish return to normalcy without justice being served, he asserted that the situation remains grim, while acknowledging that both communities in Manipur felt ashamed of the extensive violence, arson, and atrocities, including the rape, abduction, and murder of women and children.

He highlighted that the National Highway, the state's lifeline, was blocked, leaving flights as the only means of access to Manipur.

He cautioned that normalcy could not be restored until free movement was ensured, armed groups from both communities were disarmed, and political solutions were explored through dialogue.

On the failure of peace efforts, Justice Mridul noted that Kuki MLAs had refused to engage in discussions while Biren remained the chief minister.

The Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party (NPP) also withdrew its support from the state government, citing the same reason.

He remarked that such political standoffs had contributed to the unsuccessful peace efforts.

Regarding the safety of judicial officers, he stated that judicial officers in the district courts in Manipur, being natives of the state, were under tremendous pressure and struggled to make impartial decisions.

He revealed that the judiciary had engaged with the government and the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure security for judicial officers and their families.

However, significant improvements is yet to be seen, he noted.

When asked whether the situation would improve after Biren's resignation, he expressed hope but emphasised that change would not happen automatically.

He stressed the need for committed efforts to restore peace and remarked that if the Kuki MLAs could not freely come to Imphal and participate in the assembly, things may not change.

On the issue of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), Justice Mridul acknowledged its link to the crisis, as both Naga and Kuki communities reside on both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border.

Under FMR, people can cross the border freely within a 16 km range.

He pointed out that the government had decided to scrap FMR and reconsider its policy - a move opposed by both Naga and Kuki groups.

"But despite the decision, free movement across the border continues," he added.