Manipur: Kharge Constitutes 3-Member Fact Finding Team To Ascertain Causes Behind Violence

The committee comprises All India Congress Committee General Secretary MP Mukul Wasnik, former MP Ajoy Kumar and party MLA Sudip Roy Barman. 

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday constituted a three-member fact finding committee to ascertain the causes of widespread violence in Manipur and evaluate its extent. The committee comprises All India Congress Committee General Secretary MP Mukul Wasnik, former MP Ajoy Kumar and party MLA Sudip Roy Barman. 

“Hon'ble Congress President has constituted the following Fact-Finding team to visit Manipur, to ascertain the causes of widespread violence in the state and evaluate its extent, in coordination with the AICC Incharge of Manipur, PCC President and CLP Leader, with immediate effect,” read the press release by the party dated May 17. 

The fact-finding team has been asked to submit its report to the AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge at the earliest.

Over 50 people have been killed in violent clashes between tribals living in the Manipur hills and the majority Meiti community residing in the Imphal valley over the latter’s demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list. 

The Manipur government has extended the suspension on internet services across the state till May 20.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court said it will ensure that the political executive does not turn a blind eye to the law and order situation in the North Eastern state and asked the state government to file a fresh status report on measures taken for security and relief and rehabilitation of the violence-hit people, as per a report by PTI. 

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said it will not deal with the legal issues arising out of the Manipur High Court’s decision on grant of reservation to majority Meiteis as the pleas challenging the order were pending in the larger division bench there.

"Law and order is a state subject. As the Supreme Court of India we will ensure that the political executive does not turn a blind eye to the situation,” said the bench which also comprised Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, the report added.