Imphal: The High Court of Manipur has issued a directive to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit, by July 24, the report of the investigation to the massacre of six Meitei individuals — three women and three children, allegedly by Kuki-Hmar militants, in Jiribam on November 11, last year.
A division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice K. Somasekhar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, on Monday, issued the directive, in hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Soram Tekendrajit, demanding justice for the victims and swift action against the perpetrators.
Although a First Information Report was lodged on the same day of the incident, the Court noted that the NIA failed to submit any progress report or file a charge sheet, despite having passed more than seven months. The petition sought to take action against the concerned culprits. Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Kh. Tarunkumar urged the Court to intervene, citing inaction from the investigating agency.
In response, W. Darakeshwor, senior public counsel representing the NIA, sought a brief adjournment and assured the bench that a detailed progress report preferably with a charge sheet would be submitted shortly. The Court, while granting time, made it clear that continued delay will be taken seriously. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on July 24.
After months of silence of the Meitei-Kuki conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023, the Jiribam incident reignited tension in the state. The case drew widespread attention in the state, with many civil society groups demanding accountability and swift justice.
