PUCL to make public findings on conflict
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 09 2024: People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has stated that the 'Independent People's Tribunal on Manipur' constituted by it in the context of prolonged state-wide violence will place their findings in the form of a Report to the Nation' within short notice.

In a release, PUCL said that the report will also contain recommendations with a view to ensure accountability, justice and redressal of grievances of the people of Manipur.

It informed that the 'Independent People's Tribunal on Manipur' met in Delhi to hear testimonies of survivors and victims of the ethnic violence gripping Manipur since May 3, 2023 as well as on July 6 and 7 this year.

Prior to the Delhi hearings, a set of jury members of the tribunal along with members of the secretariat assisting the tribunal, visited Manipur in May end and June, 2024 .

The team travelled to districts affected by the violence, including Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal, Kangpokpi, Kakching, Senapati and other places, to record personal testimonies of survivors/victims of the different communities and various service organisations which are organising and providing relief to the affected people.

The Team also visited a number of relief camps set up in different districts to talk with survivors/residents, school going children, women and elderly and also met with government functionaries and officials of security forces.

Apart from the testimonies collected from and discussions held with all stakeholders, documents related to various dimensions of the ongoing violence were also placed before the tribunal which heard testimonies of internally displaced people and representatives of different ethnic communities - Kukis, Meiteis, Nagas, Pangals and others and met advocates, journalists, health professionals, scholars, academics, and activists from the different communities in Manipur, the release added.

It further stated that the 14-member Tribunal including Supreme Court of India former judge Kurian Joseph was constituted in the context of prolonged state-wide violence and serious issues of constitutional governance in the state of Manipur.

Considering the deep polarisation and precarious situation prevailing in Manipur, such Independent People's Tribunal will help restore a sense of confidence and trust in the constitutional order and institutions, the release added.

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