In a significant move to address the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Central government has appointed a three-member Commission of Inquiry. The commission, headed by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Ajai Lamba, will probe the violent clashes that have resulted in the loss of 98 lives and the displacement of over 35,000 people. The Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated the commission to submit a report to the Centre within six months.
The violence in Manipur, predominantly between the Kuki and Meitei communities, has severely disrupted normal life and raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the affected population. The conflict has also led to blockades on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2, hindering the transportation of essential supplies to the valley areas of Manipur. Home Minister Amit Shah has made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Manipur to lift the blockades, emphasizing the urgent need for food, medicines, fuel, and other necessary items to reach the affected communities.
The Commission of Inquiry, with its headquarters based in Imphal, comprises two other members besides Justice Ajai Lamba. Himanshu Shekhar Das, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1982 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, and Aloka Prabhakar, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Telangana cadre from the 1986 batch, will assist in conducting the investigation.
The terms of reference for the Commission are comprehensive, aiming to delve into the causes and spread of the violence, scrutinize the sequence of events, and determine whether any lapses or dereliction of duty occurred on the part of responsible authorities and individuals. The Commission will also examine whether adequate administrative measures were taken to prevent and address the violence and riots. Additionally, the Commission will consider any complaints or allegations made by individuals or associations and investigate the role of government officials in the incidents.
The Commission has been granted the authority to submit interim reports to the Central Government if it deems necessary during the course of the inquiry. This provision will enable timely actions to address the ongoing crisis and ensure the well-being of the affected population.
The establishment of the Commission of Inquiry comes in response to the recommendation made by the Government of Manipur, which recognized the urgent need for a judicial probe into the violent incidents and associated factors. The Central Government has acknowledged the public importance of addressing the violence and aims to provide justice to the victims and their families.
With the Commission of Inquiry now in place, there is renewed hope for the people of Manipur that a thorough investigation will be conducted to uncover the truth behind the ethnic violence. It is expected that the findings and recommendations of the commission will help prevent future conflicts and promote reconciliation and harmony among the diverse communities in the state.
As the Commission begins its work, the government, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders must cooperate closely to restore normalcy, provide relief and support to the affected communities, and foster a peaceful environment conducive to the well-being of all Manipur residents.
