Extended Deadline for Manipur Violence Inquiry Commission

The Indian government has granted a six-month extension to the Commission of Inquiry investigating the 2023 Manipur violence, which claimed more than 260 lives, according to a recent notification.

The three-member panel, now chaired by former Supreme Court judge Balbir Singh Chauhan, was established in response to ethnic violence triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' held on May 3, 2023. The protest opposed the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The commission's formation followed recommendations from the Manipur government, highlighting the need to probe the public importance issue thoroughly.

The panel's mandate involves examining the events leading up to the violence, assessing any lapses by authorities, and evaluating the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent further clashes. With previous extensions already granted, this latest decision pushes the submission deadline to November 20, 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)