Supreme Court Judges urge all to contribute in restoring normalcy
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Imphal/CCpur, March 22 2025: A five-member delegation of the Supreme Court arrived in Manipur as scheduled today.

The Supreme Court delegation led by Justice BR Gavai includes Justice Vi-kram Nath, Justice MM Sun- dresh, Justice KV Viswanathan and Justice N Kotiswar Singh.

Upon their arrival, the top Court delegation received a warm welcome from the State's lawyers at Bir Tiken-drajit International Airport.

Later, four of the five Supreme Court Judges accompanied by dignitaries such as Chief Secretary Prasant Kumar Singh, High Court of Manipur Chief Justice D Krishna Kumar, Judge Golmei Gaiphulshillu, and DGP Rajiv Singh, among others visited the Sadbhavna Mandap Relief Camp at Tuibong and Moirang College Relief Camp to assess the living conditions and interact with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) .

SC Judges urge all to contribute in restoring normalcy

Justice Kotiswar, however, was unable to visit the Kuki-Zo-dominated district due to certain circumstances.

Justice Kotiswar expressed no regrets over this, saying, "I'm sure, in due course, I will be able to visit Churachandpur.

I have so many great friends there.

I could see them sitting in the crowd, and I would love to hug them sometime soon" .

Meanwhile, the delegation held a meeting at the Multi-Purpose Hall at Tuibong after meeting the IDPs, where Justice Gavai inaugurated several initiatives, including online legal services camps, medical camps, and legal aid clinics.

The medical camps were held across 106 relief camps by combining adjacent camps.

Approximately 400 doctors and 800 support staff were deployed to provide medical care to IDPs .

The four legal aid clinics inaugurated, on the other hand, are at LMS Law College, Nongpok Sanjenbam, Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar and Somdal village, Ukhrul.

Similar, free legal services camp and medical camp were also opened at the relief camp set up at Moirang College.

In his address, Justice Gavai, who is also the Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), acknowledged that Manipur is facing a challenging time.

However, he expressed optimism that with collective efforts from the legislative, executive, and judiciary, these difficulties will soon be overcome.

He appealed to all to support internally displaced persons in rebuilding their lives.

Saying that Manipur, being an integral part of India, is home to all citizens, he urged everyone to contribute in restoring normalcy in the State.

A just society relies on equal access to justice, healthcare, and opportunities, he said, adding that every citizen deserves swift and affordable justice.

He encouraged all displaced individuals to utilize the services provided by legal institutions.

Alek Muivah, Member Secretary of MASLSA, said that they have opened Special Legal Aid Clinics at 265 relief camps across the State.

He also said that Para Legal Volunteers have helped displaced persons in various ways, including filing over 4,000 Zero FIRs, reconstructing lost documents and certificates and assisting with ration cards, job cards, pensions, and other benefits.

"This will give a healing touch and hope": SC Judge Justice Kotiswar Singh on Manipur visit.

Supreme Court Judge Justice N Kotiswar Singh on Saturday said that the visit of the Supreme Court Judges to Manipur is a significant gesture that will offer a "healing touch" and instil hope in the people affected due to the violence.

Speaking to the media, Justice Singh expressed his belief that the visit would provide a sense of hope and encourage people to look forward, emphasising the importance of focusing on the future.

"The Supreme Court visit is a very remarkable thing.

I am sure this will give a healing touch and a hope.

We must look forward and think of the future.

We should not live in the past, pain or tragedy that has taken place.

We must look forward to a brighter future where we all can live together.

It may take time, but we must hope and be positive," he said.

On the other hand, the Relief Committee Manipur has urged the visiting Supreme Court Judges to open a grievance cell for internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensure free movement of people in the State and speed up the resettlement process by submitting a memorandum.

Putting forth a list of grievances, the committee also urged the visiting team to take necessary actions to safeguard civilians from attacks by armed militants and miscreants and to provide equal and fair remuneration to the IDPs.

The relief committee also requested that a free healthcare services and testing facility be given to the displaced folks.

The memorandum also requested free education for displaced students, covering admission fees, registration fees, and hostel fees up to the university level.

Additionally, it sought priority recruitment for IDPs in Government and private institutions and regular counselling for displaced persons to prevent cases of suicide.

(With inputs from Agencies) .