Supreme Court Judge Justice BR Gavai emphasized the importance of resolving the ongoing crisis in Manipur through constitutional means during the Duodecennial Celebration event of the Manipur High Court in Imphal on Sunday. Justice Gavai, addressing a gathering of legal professionals, expressed confidence that with the collective efforts of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, Manipur would overcome its challenges.
“This is a difficult phase, but with the collective efforts of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, Manipur will overcome these challenges,” Justice Gavai said.
He also stressed that dialogue was essential for resolving the issues at hand, noting that the people in relief camps were eager to return home. “If there is dialogue, the solution will not be far. I am confident that with the efforts of the governor, peace and normalcy will soon be restored in Manipur,” he added.
Justice Gavai, who led a delegation of five Supreme Court judges to Manipur, highlighted the significance of India’s Constitution, marking 75 years since its adoption. He pointed out that the Constitution had kept India strong and united, comparing the integration of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir into the nation to the inclusion of Manipur and the other northeastern states. “Just as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, or Jammu and Kashmir are parts of India, Manipur and the other seven sisters are also integral to our nation,” he remarked.
The delegation, which arrived in Imphal on Saturday, was part of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) initiative to monitor efforts supporting communities affected by ethnic clashes in Manipur since May 2023. Along with Justice Gavai, Justices Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotiswar Singh participated in the visit, which aimed to provide legal and humanitarian aid to the victims of the crisis.
SC delegation visits Churachandpur
In addition to their visit to Imphal, the delegation visited Churachandpur to assess the situation of displaced families. The delegation, joined by Chief Secretary Prasant Kumar Singh, High Court of Manipur Chief Justice D. Krishna Kumar, Judge Golmei Gaiphulshillu, and DGP Rajiv Singh, visited the Sadbhavna Mandap Relief Camp in Tuibong. They interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs), distributed relief materials, and inaugurated several initiatives, including online Legal Services Camps, Medical Camps, and Legal Aid Clinics. These initiatives aimed to provide IDPs with access to healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and reconstruction of identity documents.
Justice Gavai emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities. He also praised the collaborative efforts of government departments and volunteers in organizing relief initiatives. Medical professionals conducted health check-ups and distributed free medicines at the camp, while 41 newly enrolled advocates received SANAD certificates. Educational supplies were also provided to students at the relief camps.
Various government departments, including the District Administration, Justice Gita Mittal Residential Skill Training Programme, District Industries Centre (DIC), Zonal Educational Officer (ZEO), District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and Horticulture & Soil Conservation, distributed food, agricultural resources, and skill development kits to support displaced families.