Manipur Violence: Supreme Court Urges All Parties Not To Indulge In Hate Speech

The apex court further stated that it would put pressure on the Centre and the State of Manipur to make preparations to protect the lives of people.

Supreme Court.

Source : PTI

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the Manipur Tribal Forum's request for the Indian Army to safeguard the Kuki tribe, and stated that it would be inappropriate for the court to issue such a directive to the Army and paramilitary forces. The apex court further stated that it would put pressure on the Centre and the State of Manipur to make preparations to protect the lives of people, news agency ANI reported.

Supreme Court declines the plea of Manipur Tribal Forum seeking protection of the Kuki tribe by the Indian Army; SC says it would not be appropriate for the court to pass such direction to Army and paramilitary forces.

Supreme Court says, at the same time, it would impress upon… pic.twitter.com/aL7j6xwgnX

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2023

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud urged all parties to maintain a sense of equilibrium and not participate in any hate speech.

"We cannot trench into law and order issues. we want to straddle a clear line and as a court we have to maintain balance and we steer clear of contentions.. once we come into the fray we lose our objectivity and that is why we stand apart and maintain the constitutional balance," CJI Chandrachud said, Bar and Bench reported. 

Earlier on Monday, the bench noted that the court cannot be used as platform to escalate tension in Manipur. 

On July 3, the Supreme Court instructed the Manipur government to provide an updated status report describing efforts taken for rehabilitation, strengthening peace and order, and recovering weaponry in the ethnically violent state.

Since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was arranged in the hill areas to oppose the Meitei community's desire for Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation, at least 150 people have been murdered and hundreds have been injured.

Meiteis make up around 53% of Manipur's population and dwell mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribal Nagas and Kukis make up another 40% of the population and live in the hill districts.