SC seeks to re-open Manipur extra-judicial killings cases
The Supreme Court ordered the reopening of cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur in 2003. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi strongly opposed the court's decision, saying over a decade had passed. The SC said, if Bangladesh could prosecute armed forces for 1971 war crimes, then India can do so too. The court was hearing a petition by the Extra Judicial Execution Victims Families Association.
Manipur's insurgency
Manipur joined the Indian union in October 1949. The insurgency began shortly afterwards, with groups seeking a separate state within Manipur, and dismissing the merger with India as forced. Until 1980, several separatist groups like the United National Liberation Front, the People's Liberation Army of Manipur, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak etc were formed. In Sept'80, AFSPA was imposed in Manipur, continuing till today.
What is AFSPA?
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, gives police and army personnel sweeping powers in states and regions declared as "disturbed" by the government. It allows forces to arrest suspects, conduct searches, detain, interrogate or kill suspects without warrants, under full legal immunity.
SC looking into cases
According to the petitioners, forces conducted 1528 extra-judicial killings in Manipur in the last 3 decades. In 2013, when a court appointed Commission of Inquiry (CoI) found that all 6 cases it reopened were fake encounters. The court has asked to reopen 3 cases of rape and murder from 2003, as the Army investigation and court investigation drew different conclusions.
SC pulls up state government
The court also lambasted the state government for failing to protect its people. It has asked the Centre, State and petitioners to suggest names of CBI and State Police officers who could be entrusted with the investigation.
