The Supreme Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to file a status report regarding its investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings of ten Kuki-Zo tribal youth in Manipur. The incident occurred in November of last year in the Jiribam district, amidst the ethnic strife that has plagued the state.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice A.S. Chandurkar is hearing the case. The court's decision came in response to a writ petition seeking an independent inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killings connected to the ongoing unrest in Manipur. The petition was filed by the parents of the deceased, who dispute the official version of events. They contend that their sons were innocent civilians, not militants, and that the authorities' explanation requires judicial scrutiny.
The incident in question took place on November 11, 2024, when ten men from the Hmar tribe of the Kuki-Zo community, who claimed to be relief volunteers from Churachandpur, went to the CRPF premises at Borobekra police station in Jiribam district. They were there to discuss the security of villages in the area, following attacks the previous day. According to the petitioners, as the men were leaving the compound, a Manipur police commando opened fire on them. It was rumored that in the commotion, a CRPF soldier opened fire, resulting in the deaths of the ten men.
The petitioners' counsel, Advocate Vishwajeet Singh, urged the Court to seek immediate clarity on the progress of the case, stating that the family is entitled to know the status of the investigation. The Supreme Court acknowledged the concerns raised and directed that notice be issued to the concerned parties, ensuring that it reaches the respondents without delay for an early response. The Court has issued a notice for the limited purpose of finding out the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the NIA and has set a return date of January 12, 2026.
The Supreme Court has taken a significant step in the legal proceedings related to the Manipur violence, and its involvement could bring greater scrutiny and accountability to the investigations into the alleged extrajudicial killings. The court has asked the government of Manipur, CBI, and NIA to submit probe reports on the violence in the state. The Supreme Court has said that the government must maintain law and order. The matter will proceed with the respondents expected to inform the Court about the current status and progress of the NIA probe, paving the way for further judicial examination of the serious allegations raised in the petition.
The petitioners stated that they could not approach the Manipur High Court because they belong to the minority community who are at loggerheads with the majority community. As such, the High Court being in Imphal city, they are not in a position to go there physically because of constant threats to life and property.
