Manipur: 34 unnatural deaths in relief camps; SC questions govt

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the deaths of internally displaced people in Manipur relief camps, questioning the state government over its failure to register criminal cases and conduct proper investigations into 34 deaths classified as unnatural.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing deaths in the relief camps and the investigations conducted into unnatural deaths. The court examined the report of the Justice Gita Mittal committee, which is monitoring the functioning of the camps.

Of the 640 deaths recorded in the camps, 34 were classified as unnatural, while post-mortem examinations had been conducted in only 20 cases. The court also questioned the state about the compensation paid to the families of the deceased, which was limited to Rs 20,000-30,000. It sought an explanation for the low amount, even though compensation exceeding Rs 5 lakh had been provided in similar cases.

The court directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority to ensure that cases are properly registered in every unnatural-death incident and that the safety and dignity of displaced people living in the camps are protected.

The bench also reviewed the investigation into cases related to the Manipur violence. The court was informed that 42 special investigation teams were handling 3,020 cases, with investigations still continuing in 1,135 cases. It further called for additional special courts for cases being investigated by the CBI.

The violence in Manipur since May 2023 has claimed more than 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing, highlighting the continuing uncertainty surrounding the affected population.