On November 29, 2024, former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Siddharth Mridul, spoke out about the growing calls for President’s Rule in Imphal. This follows ongoing ethnic violence in the region, exacerbated by the kidnapping and killing of women and children by militants on November 11, 2024. Mridul stated that peace has not been restored to the state, which faces multiple complex challenges, including trans-border movements and demographic changes.

BulletsIn

• Calls for President’s Rule gaining traction in Manipur as violence escalates.
• Former Chief Justice Mridul highlights worsening situation, no return to peace since ethnic conflict began.
• On November 11, 2024, militants abducted and killed six women and children in Jiribam during an encounter with security forces.
• Persistent violence tied to infiltration, drug and arms smuggling, and refugee movements from Myanmar.
• The suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) earlier this year is opposed by most communities, except the Meiteis.
• Demographic changes in Manipur and trans-border movements are complicating the situation, especially along the Myanmar border.
• Ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities has claimed over 250 lives, with more than 60,000 displaced since March 2023.
• Justice Mridul denies that the March 2023 Manipur High Court order regarding Meitei Scheduled Tribe status caused the violence; it was a long-standing issue.
• Judicial officers face continuous threats, with limited free movement across the state due to the ethnic unrest.
• Internet shutdowns were implemented, but judicial proceedings have still faced significant interruptions.