Manipur violence: Govt sets up 3-member panel to probe recent incidents

The Central government established a Commission of Inquiry on Sunday (June 4), led by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba, to investigate the recent spate of violence in Manipur, which resulted in the loss of over 80 lives.

According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the commission will make inquiry with respect of the causes and spread of the violence and riots targeting members of different communities, which took place in Manipur on May 3 and thereafter.

Also Read: Rajiv Singh new police chief of violence-battered Manipur

It will probe the sequence of events leading to, and all the facts relating to such violence; whether there were any lapses or dereliction of duty in this regard on the part of any of the responsible authorities/individuals and adequacy of the administrative measures taken to prevent, and to deal with the violence and riots.

The inquiry by the commission shall look into the complaints or allegations that may be made before it by any individual or association.

The commission shall submit its report to the central government as soon as possible but not later than six months from the date of its first sitting.

The commission, however, if it deems fit, can make interim reports to the central government before the said date.

Also Read: Amit Shah on Manipur: Panel headed by HC judge to probe violence, peace committee to be formed

The other members of the commission are retired IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar.

Manipur has been witnessing sporadic violence ever since ethnic clashes broke out on May 3.

The death toll from clashes has gone up to over 80, officials said.

The ethnic violence first broke out after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Also Read: Shah: Govt committed to restoring peace in Manipur, ensuring return of displaced people

The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations.

(With agency inputs)