Background Matrix
In the case of Manipur Tribal Forum vs Union of India, In the midst of clashes between the state and tribal community, a public interest litigation (PIL) petition was submitted to the Supreme Court asking for guidance on how to order the Central and State governments to evacuate the Manipuri Tribals who had fled to CRPF camps and to make sure they reach their residence safely under security escort. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in power in the State as well as at the Centre and supports the dominant group, is said to have full support for the attacks on tribal communities in Manipur. The attacks, according to the PIL filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum, were planned due to a non-secular agenda that is against the provisions of the Indian Constitution.
The PIL further claimed that 132 tribal members were injured and 30 members of the dominant group were killed, although no first information report (FIR) has been filed in regard to any of these cases so far. Conflict and violence have recently broken out in Manipur as a result of several tribes’ opposition to the main Meitei community’s desire that they be given Scheduled Tribe status. The Meitei community should be considered for inclusion on the Scheduled Tribe list as soon as possible, particularly within four weeks of the Manipur High Court’s order date of April 19, 2023. Conflicts between tribal and non-tribal communities resulted from this.
Relief from Court
The petitioner requested the formation of a Special Investigation Team to be led by former Assam Director General of Police Harekrishna Deka and overseen by Chief Justice Tinlianthang Vaiphei, a former Chairman of the Meghalaya State Human Rights Commission, in order to bring charges against those responsible for the assault on the tribal members.
The PIL requested for instructions to be given to the Central Forces so they could make the territories immediately safe and secure for the tribal community. The PIL has also asked for guidance on how to rebuild the churches damaged by the bloody violence.