'Peace will return soon to Manipur': Supreme Court Justice Gavai
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Justice BR Gavai, four other SC judges visit Manipur, inaugurate free legal and medical aid camps for displaced persons.
Imphal: Supreme Court judge Justice B.R. Gavai, leading a five-member team of apex court judges visiting violence-hit Manipur, expressed confidence on Saturday that peace would soon return to the state, urging collective efforts to restore stability and justice.
Justice Gavai, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), along with fellow judges, visited relief camps in Manipur’s Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, where thousands of men, women, and children displaced by ethnic violence have been sheltering since the unrest began on May 3, 2023.
During his interaction with the camp inmates, Justice Gavai reassured them of national solidarity, stating, “Our country is a true example of unity in diversity. India is our home, and wherever people face difficulties, the entire nation will come forward to help resolve them.” He acknowledged the hardships they have endured but emphasized that with the concerted efforts of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, the crisis could be overcome in a short period.
Highlighting the strength of the Indian Constitution, Justice Gavai remarked that compared to neighboring countries, India’s constitutional framework has played a crucial role in keeping the nation united and strong. “Please believe in the Constitution, and one day things will normalize, and Manipur will prosper,” he assured.
Accompanied by Supreme Court judges Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Vishwanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh, along with Manipur High Court Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshilu, Justice Gavai virtually inaugurated legal services camps, medical camps, and legal aid clinics across various districts from the Mini Secretariat in Churachandpur.
The visiting judges first arrived in Churachandpur, where they visited the Sadbhavana Mandap relief camp, interacting with those who had been forced to flee their villages due to ethnic violence. Later, they proceeded to Bishnupur district, meeting more displaced individuals at another relief camp. The team also paid a visit to the Indian National Army (INA) museum in Moirang, Bishnupur.
According to a statement from the Manipur government, NALSA, established under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987, provides free and competent legal services to economically weaker sections to ensure justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of financial or social barriers.
As part of their initiatives, extensive medical camps were organized across 106 relief camps, covering all 290 relief centers by merging adjacent camps. Around 400 doctors and 800 medical support staff participated in these efforts to provide essential healthcare to those affected by the violence.
Upon their arrival at Imphal airport, the Supreme Court judges were warmly welcomed by senior lawyers from Manipur. Their visit will continue on Sunday, when they are set to attend the 12th-anniversary celebration of the Manipur High Court.
With IANS inputs