SC directs Manipur Govt to submit status report on arms recovery

NEW DELHI

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Manipur government and law enforcement agencies to submit a status report regarding the recovery of arms from all sources in the state, which has been marred by ethnic violence.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, also acknowledged the affidavit submitted by the Manipur chief secretary, affirming that there is an adequate supply of essential commodities like food and medicines for those affected by the economic blockade. The chief secretary disputed claims made by lawyers representing petitioners regarding the outbreak of chickenpox and measles in relief camps.

The court stated, “The chief secretary of Manipur has submitted an affidavit addressing the availability of rations and essential goods, including in Moreh, and the alleged outbreaks of measles and chickenpox in Moreh. The chief secretary has outlined the measures taken to distribute rations in nine camps. If there are any remaining grievances related to specific instances, these should be brought to the attention of the district administration. Such grievances should be promptly addressed.” On the issue of arms recovery, the court directed the government to provide a status report which will be made available only to the court.

Issuing a bunch of fresh directions, the three-judge bench directed the Union home secretary to coordinate with Justice (retired) Gita Mittal, the chairperson of the court-appointed three-member panel overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts in Manipur, to finalise the selection of experts to assist the committee.