Guwahati: The Centre has given a Commission of Inquiry into the 2023 Manipur violence another six months to submit its report, extending the deadline to May 20 next year, according to a govt notification.This is the seventh extension since the panel was formed on June 4, 2023, in the aftermath of ethnic violence that claimed more than 300 lives.The three-member commission is now headed by former Supreme Court judge Balbir Singh Chauhan, who took charge on March 1. It was initially headed by former Gauhati high court chief justice Ajai Lamba, who resigned with effect from February 28.The panel is examining the sequence of events and facts relating to the violence that broke out on May 3, 2023, after a “Tribal Solidarity March” was held in the hill districts. The march protested the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.The unrest followed earlier tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which led to a series of smaller agitations.The Centre set up the commission on the Manipur govt’s recommendation, citing the need for an inquiry into a matter of public importance.Its terms of reference include finding whether there were lapses or dereliction of duty by any authority or individual responsible, assessing the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and deal with the violence and riots and examining complaints or allegations submitted by any individual or association.
