IMPHAL, March 24: Supreme Court Judge Justice B R Gavai on Sunday emphasized the importance of resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur through constitutional means, asserting that dialogue is key to finding a solution. Speaking at the duodecennial celebration of the Manipur High Court in Imphal, Justice Gavai expressed confidence that with dialogue, peace and normalcy would soon return to the state.
During a two-day visit to Manipur, Justice Gavai, who led a delegation of five Supreme Court judges, noted that everyone in the conflict-ridden state was eager for the restoration of peace. “Everything can be solved through constitutional means. If there is dialogue, the solution will not be far. People staying in relief camps want to return to their homes. I am sure that with the efforts of the governor, peace and normalcy would soon be restored in Manipur,” he said.
Justice Gavai highlighted that the delegation had visited relief camps in Churachandpur and Bishnupur, where they interacted with people from both communities affected by the ethnic conflict. “One thing we could understand is that everyone wanted the restoration of peace. Nobody is interested in continuing the present situation. We can all work in unison to bring back normalcy in the state through constitutional means,” he added.
The Supreme Court delegation’s visit to Manipur also marked the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution. Justice Gavai reflected on the strength and unity India has derived from its Constitution, pointing out that just as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, or Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India, Manipur and the other northeastern states are also an essential part of the country.
In his address, Justice Gavai expressed pride in visiting the land where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army fought for India’s freedom, and where the Indian flag was first hoisted in 1944. “Our journey was not only to pay tributes to one of the most revered national heroes of the country but also to visit one of the most beautiful lands in the country,” he remarked.
The delegation also acknowledged the efforts of Chief Justice D Krishnakumar of the Manipur High Court, praising the progress made by the young high court in such a short period. Justice Gavai also recognized the proactive role played by the state’s officials, including the governor and chief secretary, in supporting various initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy in the state.
In addition to their visit to the relief camps, the delegation inaugurated several initiatives, including a legal services camp, a medical camp, and a legal aid clinic from the Mini Secretariat at Lamka in Churachandpur district. During their visit to a relief camp, the delegation was moved by a group of young girls who sang “We Shall Overcome,” a hopeful anthem for peace, with Justice Gavai expressing his hope that one day, this sentiment would become a reality.
As their visit concluded, Justice Gavai and his colleagues left Manipur, hopeful that dialogue and constitutional efforts would soon bring peace to the region.
