The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the suggestion to deploy Indian Army and para military forces for the protection of Kuki tribes in violence-stricken state of Manipur.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice P.S. Narasimha, however, ‘impressed’ upon both the Union of India and the state government to ensure that the life and liberty of people residing in Manipur remained safe and protected.
The top court of the country observed that in the 72 years of its existence, it had never issued directions to the Indian Army on how to conduct military, security or rescue operations.
Noting that the greatest hallmark of democracy was civilian control over the armed force, the Apex Court observed that it cannot breach the same.
It further urged all the parties to maintain a sense of equilibrium and refrain from participating in any hate speech-related incident.
Noting that the maintenance of law and order as well as preservation of security of the state fell within the domain of the elected government, the Bench observed that it would be inappropriate for the Court to issue directives on where a particular battalion of soldiers has to be deployed.
The Bench passed the order on a bunch of petitions highlighting the outbreak of violence in Manipur.
The state government had submitted last week that it would file an updated status report indicating the measures taken by it to contain violence.
An interlocutory application filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum was among the petitions, which alleged that the Central government’s assurances to the Apex Court with regard to its handling of the issue were false.
The Forum further sought directions to both the Central and state governments to evacuate tribals from Manipur, who had fled to CRPF camps and ensure that they reached their residences safely under security escort.
The government of Manipur had assured the Supreme Court on May 8 that concerns regarding the ongoing violence will be addressed and that remedial measures will be taken on a proactive basis.
The Apex Court had then called for due arrangements to be made in relief camps and for necessary precautions to be taken to rehabilitate the displaced persons and protect the places of religious worship.