Three-member panel constituted to probe Manipur violence

Tags: committee

The Centre has established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent series of violence in Manipur, led by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Ajai Lamba. 

About Commission of Inquiry

• In addition to Ajai Lamba, the commission includes retired IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar as members. 

• The headquarters of the commission will be located in Imphal, Manipur.

• The central government has appointed the Commission of Inquiry under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

What will examine the commission?

• The commission's mandate, according to a notification from the Union Home Ministry, is to inquire into the causes and spread of the violence and riots targeting different communities in Manipur that occurred on May 3 and thereafter.

• The commission will examine the sequence of events leading to the violence, gather all relevant facts, and determine if there were any lapses or dereliction of duty on the part of responsible authorities or individuals. 

• It will also assess the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and address the violence and riots.

• The commission is required to submit its report to the central government as soon as possible. 

• But no later than six months from the date of its first sitting.

Violence in Manipur

• The violence in Manipur, which began on May 3, resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

• The government of Manipur recommended the establishment of a judicial inquiry commission to investigate the causes and factors associated with the crisis. 

• Manipur has experienced sporadic violence since the outbreak of ethnic clashes on May 3. 

• The clashes were triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

• Prior tensions had arisen over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, leading to smaller agitations.