The Supreme Court intervened to assist 284 students affected by ethnic violence in Manipur. The court provided them with three options: the choice to attend online classes at Manipur University, relocate to Assam University in Silchar, or enroll at the North East Hill University in Shillong.

The Manipur University EIMI Welfare Society filed a plea on behalf of the displaced students, scattered across the country, seeking relocation to other central universities to ensure uninterrupted education amidst the state’s violence.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, directed the appointment of a nodal officer by Manipur University, whose details will be posted on the university’s website. The officer is responsible for facilitating the relocation of interested students within two weeks.

Additionally, the court assured the students that a committee of three former women high court judges, led by Justice Gita Mittal, would address the issue. The committee will submit a report, and the court will pass orders accordingly.

While emphasizing the interim nature of the order, the bench clarified that it doesn’t imply a permanent move to other central universities. The directive aims to ensure that the relocation process doesn’t hinder students from obtaining their degrees.

The ethnic violence in Manipur erupted in May following a high court order on the inclusion of the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. The turmoil has led to over 170 casualties and numerous injuries since its inception on May 3 during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March.’

Also read: PTI