Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The Supreme Court ordered a committee led by former High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal to verify claims that 24,000 families affected by 2023 Manipur ethnic violence still await relief. A bench featuring Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directive during a hearing on rehabilitation efforts.
Government data shows funds reached over 4,000 out of 7,000 identified families for housing reconstruction. Authorities provide Rs 5 lakh for kutcha homes and Rs 7 lakh for semi-pucca or pucca structures. Additionally, 12,000 houses have clearance under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin. The state released Rs 51.95 crore for 885 beneficiaries, adding Rs 1 lakh to households suffering total destruction. The bench wants answers. Lawyers for the victims insist 24,000 families remain empty-handed.
"If that is so, we request the committee to verify and confirm the particulars of the alleged affected families," Chief Justice Surya Kant stated. The panel must also file a note regarding the status of welfare schemes mentioned in the court's May 27, 2026, order.
Property disputes landed on the committee’s desk too. The court ordered the panel to investigate the status of 276 properties. Separately, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves flagged 20 churches allegedly under encroachment. Authorities must block further illegal occupation of these sites. The committee will use land records and legal documents to check every claim. It will then report back to the Supreme Court.
Violence erupted May 3, 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March protesting Meitei demands for Scheduled Tribe status. The conflict killed over 200 people. It left thousands homeless and displaced.
Updated at 11th August 2026 at 6:00pm
Senior advocate Vibha Dutt Makhija presented the committee's findings, confirming that the court already possesses the data on these 24,000 households. The bench stressed that this list is now officially under the committee's review for a ground-level reality check.
Beyond housing, the court opened the door for claims regarding damaged places of worship. The committee will cross-reference legal records and land deeds to verify the status of 276 properties currently in dispute. Authorities are under strict orders to freeze any activity at the 20 sites specifically flagged as encroached churches until the committee clears the air.
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