The Manipur High Court has directed both the Central and State governments to respond to a petition filed by a Kuki women’s body seeking justice and compensation for women allegedly injured during a protest in Saibol village, Kangpokpi district, last year. The petition stems from an incident in 2024 when a group of Kuki women demonstrators clashed with security forces during a protest over the reported occupation of community bunkers by paramilitary personnel. The case, filed by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights Trust, has drawn attention for highlighting alleged excesses against women in a conflict-hit region. The petitioners have demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), prosecution sanctions against the personnel involved, an independent probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and adequate compensation for the victims.
The matter was heard by a bench led by Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, who carefully considered submissions from all sides. During the hearing, the State Advocate General opposed the idea of issuing notices to certain Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel named individually in the petition. He argued that such a move could adversely affect the morale of security personnel stationed in the region, many of whom are engaged in sensitive counter-insurgency operations. Counsel for the Central government echoed this concern and requested additional time to seek instructions from higher authorities on whether the names of individual CRPF personnel should be struck off from the proceedings. The Centre suggested that only official respondents should be part of the case to avoid implications for individual officers.
On behalf of the petitioners, Senior Advocate Anand Grover stated that they would not oppose such a course of action if the court deemed it appropriate. He emphasised, however, that the focus should remain on ensuring accountability and justice for the affected women. After considering the arguments, the court refrained from issuing notices to the CRPF personnel mentioned by name in the petition. Instead, it directed that the Central and State governments, as official respondents, must file counter-affidavits within three weeks. The petitioners have been allowed to file rejoinder affidavits within two weeks thereafter. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 17, 2025, when the matter will be taken up for further consideration.
