IMPHAL, Dec 4: The Union government has extended the deadline for the Commission of Inquiry probing the Manipur violence to May 20, 2025. The violence, which began on May 3, 2023, during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, has claimed at least 258 lives, left several injured, and displaced thousands.
The three-member commission, headed by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba, also includes retired IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar. Established on June 4, 2023, the commission was initially mandated to submit its report within six months but has since received multiple extensions due to the complexity of the investigation.
The latest notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sets the deadline for submission as May 20, 2025, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the causes, spread, and impact of the violence. The commission is tasked with investigating the sequence of events leading to the violence, lapses or dereliction of duty by authorities, and the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and address the riots.
In its mandate, the panel is also required to entertain complaints or allegations brought forth by individuals or associations, ensuring transparency and accountability in its proceedings.
The Manipur government had recommended instituting a judicial inquiry commission on May 29, 2023, citing the urgent need to investigate the crisis under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. Acting on this recommendation, the Centre established the current panel to examine the root causes of the unrest and propose measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite the initial six-month deadline, the commission received an earlier extension until November 20, 2023. The fresh extension reflects the complexity of the investigation and the challenges in uncovering the intricate dynamics of the violence.
With sporadic violence continuing to disrupt Manipur’s peace, the commission’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in restoring stability and fostering communal harmony in the region.
