Government Extends Inquiry Deadline for Manipur Violence Investigation
Extension Granted for Commission of Inquiry
A file image showing a car torched amid ethnic violence in Manipur which erupted in 2023. (AT Photo)
New Delhi, May 15: On Thursday, the central government announced a six-month extension for a Commission of Inquiry, now due to report by November 20, regarding the violent incidents in Manipur that resulted in over 260 fatalities.
The inquiry panel, which consists of three members and is currently led by former Supreme Court judge Balbir Singh Chauhan, was established on June 4, 2023, following the ethnic clashes that erupted in May.
Initially, the commission was chaired by former Gauhati High Court chief justice Ajai Lamba, who stepped down on February 28, with Justice Chauhan taking over on March 1.
As per the official gazette notification released on Thursday, the commission is expected to deliver its findings to the government "as soon as possible, but no later than November 20, 2026."
The inquiry is focused on the events leading to the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023, triggered by a "Tribal Solidarity March" in the hill districts, protesting the Meitei community's request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This unrest resulted in significant loss of life.
Prior to the violence, tensions had escalated due to the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserved forest areas, sparking a series of smaller protests.
The commission was formed at the request of the Manipur government, emphasizing the need for an investigation into this critical public issue.
The inquiry aims to determine if there were any failures or negligence by authorities or individuals involved in managing the situation.
Additionally, the commission will evaluate the effectiveness of the administrative responses to prevent and address the violence and riots.
The panel is also reviewing complaints or allegations made by individuals or organizations regarding the incidents.
This marks the fifth extension granted to the commission, which has previously received additional time on September 13, 2024, December 3, 2024, May 20, 2025, and December 16, 2025.
In its most recent extension, the Union home ministry had set a deadline of May 20 for the commission to finalize its report.
According to the home ministry's notification from June 4, 2023, the widespread violence in Manipur on May 3 resulted in numerous casualties and injuries among the state's residents.
The violence led to the destruction of homes and properties, leaving many individuals displaced, as noted in the notification.