Imphal: The Centre has granted a seventh six-month extension to the Commission of Inquiry probing the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence, extending the deadline for submission of its report to May 20, 2027.
A Union Home Ministry gazette notification directed the three-member panel, currently headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan, to submit its findings as soon as possible, but no later than the revised deadline of May 20. The previous extension had set May 20 this year as the deadline for completing the report.
Constituted on June 4, 2023, following a recommendation from the Manipur government, the panel was initially headed by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba. Justice Chauhan took charge on March 1 after Justice Lamba resigned with effect from February 28.
The commission is investigating the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the large-scale clashes that erupted on May 3, 2023. The violence claimed over 260 lives, injured scores of people and left thousands homeless following widespread arson attacks.
The clashes broke out during a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts, organised to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The violence followed heightened tensions over the eviction of Meitei and Kuki villagers from various locations and reserve forest land.
Under its terms of reference, the panel is examining possible administrative lapses or dereliction of duty by authorities and individuals. It is also assessing the adequacy of preventive measures taken during the violence and examining complaints submitted by individuals and associations.