[Manipur Violence] Court proceedings should not be used to escalate violence or create further problems: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday said that proceedings regarding the violence in Manipur should not be used to escalate violence or create further problems..A Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized that the issue should be approached from a humanitarian perspective, keeping in mind the limitations of the Court in managing security or law and order."We do not want these proceedings to be used as a platform for further escalations of violence and other problems. We must be conscious that we are not running security or law and order. This is a humanitarian issue and needs to be looked at from that angle. Keeping in mind these facets we will hear the case tomorrow," the CJI said..The Court made the observation while hearing a batch of pleas related to the ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. The situation in Manipur was described as "constantly evolving" by Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta, who submitted a status report highlighting the efforts made by the Central government to restore normalcy in the State.Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the Kuki groups, raised concerns about serious escalations in the State. He said that contrary to a previous statement made by SG Mehta that only 10 deaths were reported, the number had increased to 110..The CJI responded that skepticism should not lead the Court to interfere in the law and order situation. He requested Gonsalves to provide specific suggestions on the next date of hearing.Gonsalves expressed his primary concern of arresting the assailants. SG Mehta highlighted the importance of understanding the ongoing situation and its underlying causes.CJI Chandrachud then brought attention to the seizure of weapons from police stations and asked for an update on actions taken in this regard. The Chief Secretary of Manipur was directed to file a status report.Gonsalves pointed out that the escalations were caused by terrorist groups banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)..The CJI reminded all parties that the Court was a legal forum and should not take over the responsibilities of the elected government."This platform is sometimes used as a different one and we must not forget that this is a legal forum. If we start running law and order, then what is the elected government for? We have to be conscious of the remit of the Supreme Court," he said..Last week, the State government had submitted that it would file an updated status report indicating measures taken to curb the violence.One of the pleas is an interlocutory application (IA) filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum alleging that the Central government's assurances to the top court with regard to its handling of the issue are false.The Forum had sought deployment of the Army in tribal areas to control the situation. The Forum was among the parties that had moved the top court seeking directions to the Central and State governments to evacuate Manipuri Tribals who had fled to CRPF camps and to ensure that they reach their residences safely under a security escort.On May 8, the Manipur government assured the Supreme Court that concerns regarding the ongoing violence will be addressed and that remedial measures will be taken on a proactive basis.The Court had then called for due arrangements to be made in relief camps and for necessary precautions to be taken to rehabilitate displaced persons and to protect places of religious worship.The Union Home Ministry had later constituted a committee led by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajay Lamba to probe the matter.The Forum submitted that this arrangement is unacceptable, as it was done without consulting the tribal groups who are the victims.