Manipur Tribal Forum fears fresh outbreak of violence against Kuki-Zo community; files new plea in Supreme Court

A plea has been filed before the Supreme Court by Manipur Tribal Forum apprehending a fresh outbreak of violence against tribals of the Kuki-Zo community in the State of Manipur post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections..The application states that over the last six months, the Kuki-Zo community of Manipur has witnessed first-hand the full arming of assailant groups. It is claimed that one of these groups, the Arambai Tenggol, has threated to annihillate the Kukis.Pertinently, it is alleged that Dattatray Padsaligikar, the Maharashtra police officer appointed by the top court to oversee some of the probes in the previous round of violence, has not been cooperative."We are coming before this court with folded hands to take the urgent measures that are necessary which, happens, may be even more extensive than the first rounds of attack...This IA has been filed for urgent reliefs in respect of series of very brutal attacks on the Kuki-Zo community in respect of which repeated notes have been submitted to the respected DGP (Dattatray) Padsaligikar and despite the passage of time no actions seems to have been taken.".Despite five notes having been sent to Padsalgikar about recent cases of violence and arms grabs, the victim community has been left in the dark while the assailants are roaming free, it is contended.The forum has claimed that no action has been taken on the alleged beheading of a Kuki boy. In one of the notes sent to Padsalgikar, it is stated,"...videos easily available on the internet showing the beheading of a young Kuki boy David Thiek who was beheaded and the person who beheaded was none other than the PRO of the sitting MLA of Kumbi Assembly constituency Shri S. Premchandra Singh. He walked down the street holding the severed head by the hair and then stuck the head on a bamboo fence. We are shocked that after writing to you there has been no response on such a barbaric act...".The Supreme Court is currently seized of a a batch of pleas related to the violence in Manipur. It had earlier constituted an all-woman judicial committee headed by former Jammu & Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal to oversee the probe being conducted into the violence.The Chief Justice of India had, however, made it clear that the apex court does not aim to delve into every detail of administration of the State.In November 2023, the Court had ordered the Manipur government to ensure decent and dignified burial of the unidentified and unclaimed bodies.In August last year, it directed Padsaligikar to oversee the police probes in cases of sexual violence..The latest application by the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi was filed through advocate Satya Mitra.The applicants have prayed that reports filed by Padsaligikar and the Justice Mittal Committee be shared.Further, the arrest of the leaders of the Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun is sought, to prevent acts of severe violence against the Kuki-Zo community.The following directions have also been sought:- The arrest of one S Premchandra Singh for beheading a Kuki boy.- The State of Manipur immediately disclose full details in terms of criminal complaints, probes, arrests made, court orders secured and chargesheets prepared with respect of the deaths of 170 Kukis and violence against women.- The Indian Army protect the lives and properties of the Kuki-Zo community with immediate effect..Lok Sabha elections: Supreme Court rejects plea to facilitate displaced Manipur residents to vote