Centre gives seventh extension to panel probing 2023 Manipur violence

The Centre has granted a fresh six-month extension to a Commission of Inquiry probing the 2023 Manipur violence, allowing the panel to submit its final report by May 20, 2027. According to a government notification published in the gazette, the three-member panel must submit its report as soon as possible but not later than that date.

Panel Details

The commission was originally formed on June 4, 2023, following ethnic violence that broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, 2023, after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts. The protest opposed the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The ensuing unrest claimed more than 260 lives and caused widespread arson and displacement. The violence was preceded by tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land.

Leadership Changes

The panel is now headed by former Supreme Court judge Balbir Singh Chauhan. He took charge on March 1 after former Gauhati High Court chief justice Ajai Lamba resigned from the post effective February 28. This marks the seventh extension given to the commission. The Centre constituted the body on the recommendation of the Manipur government to investigate matters of public importance, including administrative measures, possible lapses by authorities, and public complaints.

Context

Commissions of Inquiry are statutory panels set up by governments under the Commissions of Inquiry Act to investigate definite matters of public importance. Such bodies gather facts, examine evidence, and submit recommendations to help authorities understand complex crises and prevent similar incidents in the future.