SC refuses urgent hearing of plea for armed forces deployment for Kukis
HY News
20 June, 2023 04:17 pm IST
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday termed the ongoing Manipur violence, which has displaced more than 4,00,00 people and over 100 dead, a “purely law and order issue” as it refused to urgently hear a plea for the deployment of armed forces in the state to protect the Kukis and order prosecution of those attacking the tribal community.
A plea by the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi (MTFD) for Army protection to the Kuki tribals urgently, in the next day or two. It listed the case on July 3, after summer vacations, saying it was the earliest the case could be heard.
Representing NGO Manipur Tribal Forum, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves mentioned the matter before the bench, pressing for a hearing this week. He claimed that 70 tribals were killed after the May 17 hearing in the court.
“We have taken out an urgent application for the protection of the tribals and the prosecution of those attacking them. 70 tribals have been killed despite the assurance given by the state to this court last month,” said Gonsalves.
Solicitor-general Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Manipur government, opposed the submissions. “Security agencies are already on the ground, and they are doing their best. My friend’s public interest can certainly wait. Besides, this is the second time such an application has been made before this court. It was mentioned earlier too, and the court refused to entertain it at that time. Now, the court has listed this matter after the summer vacation.”
“Tribal areas have been attacked. Tribals have been killed. I want Army protection… I am seeking Army protection and prosecution of and FIRs against the persons responsible for the violence,” Mr. Gonsalves pleaded.
“We hope courts are not asked to pass these kinds of orders… that Army should be deployed, central forces should be deployed… This is purely a law and order issue… let the administration look into it,” the court replied.
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