Unsettled Shores of Justice in Manipur

The Supreme Court has issued directives to the Manipur government following 25 unnatural deaths in relief camps during the 2023 ethnic violence. The court’s demand for a comprehensive report, including post-mortem examinations and compensation details, is a necessary step towards accountability.

A committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal had previously raised concerns about the compensation paid to families – a meager sum of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per deceased person. This paltry compensation highlights the government’s priorities in times of crisis. The court’s questioning of the Manipur Advocate General has been a long time coming, speaking volumes about the lack of transparency and accountability in governance.

The state’s response to this tragedy has been marked by a reluctance to acknowledge the full extent of the crisis. However, the Supreme Court’s directions are not only a reprimand for the Manipur government but also a reflection of India’s deeper challenges. The country is grappling with rising ethnic tensions, inadequate crisis management, and a lack of accountability in governance.

A report by the committee headed by Gita Mittal highlights 640 deaths in relief camps across eight districts. This number underscores the scale of the crisis and raises questions about the state’s preparedness for such emergencies. Furthermore, the fact that post-mortem examinations were conducted in only 20 out of 25 cases suggests a systemic failure.

The Supreme Court’s directions on FIRs and relief camp conditions are timely interventions. They underscore the need for adequate medical facilities, day-to-day necessities, and protection for internally displaced persons living in these camps. However, these measures alone may not be enough to address the deeper structural issues plaguing India’s governance.

In recent years, India has witnessed a string of communal violence incidents that have left hundreds dead and many more displaced. The 2020 Delhi riots, the 2019 Assam-Nagaland border clashes, and the 2018 Kairana riots are just a few examples of this disturbing trend. Each incident raises similar questions about governance, accountability, and crisis management.

The Supreme Court’s intervention in Manipur is a welcome development but also serves as a stark reminder that India’s institutions must do more to hold those in power accountable for their actions. The state’s response to the 2023 ethnic violence has been marred by allegations of complicity, corruption, and cover-ups. The Supreme Court’s directions are a necessary step towards restoring public trust.

As India navigates its complex social and political landscape, institutions like the judiciary must play a more proactive role in holding those in power accountable for their actions. The Manipur case is a litmus test for India’s governance – will it be able to deliver justice, accountability, and transparency? Only time will tell.

The unfolding drama in Manipur raises many questions about India’s capacity to manage crisis situations effectively and highlights the need for institutions like the judiciary to play a more assertive role in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The Supreme Court’s directives are a necessary step towards this end but only the beginning – of a long and arduous journey towards justice and accountability.