News Reporter
Supreme Court Receives Notification of State's Pivotal Financial Support
New Delhi, 21 November, 2023: In a recent development, the Manipur Government informed the Supreme Court on November 20 that it has deposited Rs 5 crore into a dedicated bank account earmarked for compensating women affected by sexual assault and related crimes. These incidents have been on the rise since May 3, coinciding with the outbreak of ethnic violence in the State.
However, the State Government's affidavit lacked crucial details regarding the number of women who have received compensation thus far. In September, the Court had directed the State Government to identify all religious structures in the State. The ongoing ethnic conflict between the tribal Kuki-Zo and Meitei people has resulted in a staggering 180 fatalities since May 3.
In August, the State reported to the apex Court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was actively investigating 20 cases related to the molestation, rape, and murder of women. In response to the Court's directives, the Manipur Government unveiled an enhanced compensation scheme for women victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes in September.
Compensation amounts for victims who were either killed or subjected to gang rape range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. For other offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and injuries resulting in the loss of limbs or body parts, compensation varies from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 9 lakh.
The Manipur Government has now submitted a 'short affidavit' to the Court, outlining the measures taken to identify religious buildings across all 16 districts. This move comes in the aftermath of the violence that commenced on May 3, affecting various places of worship, including Churches, Hindu temples, Sanamahi temples, Mosques, and other religious structures.
The Court had previously emphasized the need to protect these places from encroachment and destruction. The affidavit, dated October 16, reveals that inspections could not be conducted in Noney and Senapati districts due to current circumstances. However, it confirms that directives for identifying all religious buildings in the State, whether intact or vandalized, have been issued.
In a related update from August, the State had reported to the Court that approximately 386 religious institutions from both communities had suffered damage, with further assessments still underway. The situation remains fluid as authorities work towards addressing the aftermath of the ethnic conflict and ensuring justice for the victims.