New Delhi: Supreme Court Justice B.R. Gavai, alongside five other judges, will visit relief camps in Manipur on March 22 as part of the National Legal Services Authority’s (NALSA) efforts to support communities affected by the ethnic violence that erupted nearly two years ago.
The delegation, including Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, M.M. Sundresh, K.V. Viswanathan, and N. Kotiswar Singh, will undertake this visit during the duodecennial celebrations of the Manipur High Court, according to a NALSA press release.
The violence, which began on May 3, 2023, during a “tribal solidarity march” protesting the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, led to the deaths of over 200 people, displacement of more than 50,000 individuals, and left many living in relief camps.
Justice Gavai, who serves as NALSA’s executive chairman, will inaugurate legal services and medical camps virtually, alongside new legal aid clinics in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Ukhrul districts.
Relief materials will also be distributed to internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of the visit.
NALSA highlighted the ongoing need for legal and humanitarian assistance, emphasising its role in supporting affected communities through collaboration with the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA).
Since the violence began, MASLSA has established 273 legal aid clinics in relief camps, helping IDPs access government benefits, replace lost documents, and obtain medical aid.
“This visit underscores NALSA’s steadfast commitment to justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable communities. By bridging the gap between legal rights and accessibility, NALSA aims to ensure displaced individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity,” the release stated.
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The initiative will connect IDPs with government welfare programs, ensuring access to critical services such as healthcare, pensions, employment schemes, and identity reconstruction.
Each participating state department will outline tailored schemes to address the specific needs of displaced populations.
Additionally, a team of 25 specialised doctors from Chennai will conduct medical camps across all relief sites, offering continued medical support for six days, including treatment and essential medicines for displaced families.
