Manipur: Extension Granted for Filing Statements in Manipur Violence Inquiry

IMPHAL: In response to the volatile situation in Manipur and considering various circumstances, the Commission of Inquiry on Manipur Violence, appointed by the Central Government, has extended the deadline for filing statements or complaints/allegations via affidavits. The new deadline is January 24, a move aimed at safeguarding public interest and ensuring a fair and comprehensive inquiry by allowing maximum participation.

The decision to extend the deadline follows numerous applications and requests received by the commission, seeking additional time for the submission of statements or complaints/allegations. The commission carefully weighed several factors mentioned in these applications, taking into account the sporadic incidents of violence that occurred during the initial notice period, leading to disruptions in normal life and activities in parts of Manipur.

The modalities for executing affidavits have been outlined in the (REGULATION OF PROCEDURE) order 2021 of the Commission, as notified on August 26, 2023. This information is available on the commission's website and was published in the Manipur Gazette on August 29, 2023, via Notification No. H-1701/187/2023-HD-HD issued by the Government of Manipur, Home Department.

The commission, formed under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, includes Justice Ajai Lamba, Former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, as its Chairperson, along with members Himanshu Shekhar Das and Aloka Prabhakar. The terms of reference for the commission involve investigating the causes and spread of violence and riots in Manipur on May 3, 2023, and thereafter. This includes examining the sequence of events, lapses or dereliction of duty by responsible authorities/individuals, and the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and address the violence.

Additionally, the commission is empowered to consider complaints or allegations made by individuals or associations in a specified format and accompanied by affidavits. The inquiry, conducted under the Commissions of Inquiry (Central) Rules, 1972, is also open to instances brought to its notice by the Government of Manipur. In exercising its powers, the commission issued a notification on November 20, 2023, inviting individuals acquainted with the subject matter of the inquiry to provide statements and make complaints or allegations on affidavit within 45 days.

As the inquiry unfolds, the extension of the filing deadline reflects a commitment to a thorough and inclusive examination of the circumstances surrounding the Manipur violence, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard in the pursuit of justice.

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