 "No arrests in Manipur violence cases as CBI continues investigation: Officials")
synopsis
The Ministry of Home Affairs presented an affidavit to the Supreme Court, disclosing that the investigation into the case of two women being paraded naked has been entrusted to the CBI. The ministry has also urged the apex court to transfer the trial of the case out of Manipur to ensure a time-bound and unbiased trial.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating six cases related to the violent incidents in Manipur, but so far, no arrests have been made, as reported on July 28. The federal agency took over the FIRs from the state police last month and is proceeding with the investigation.
Given the sensitive nature of the cases, the CBI has chosen not to make the FIRs public yet. They formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a DIG-rank officer in June to handle the six cases referred by the Union home ministry.
The investigative teams are facing challenging circumstances in Manipur, including hostile crowds, blockades, and protests, making it difficult to gather witnesses and evidence. The state is experiencing sharp faultlines on ethnic grounds, adding complexity to the investigation.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the six FIRs related to the Manipur violence cases, and the CBI's investigation is still ongoing. The violence erupted in Manipur after a "Tribal Solidarity March" held on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Numerous lives have been lost, and many individuals have been injured in the clashes. The tension leading up to the violence was due to the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had sparked a series of smaller agitations.
The population in Manipur is divided, with Meiteis comprising approximately 53% of the population residing mostly in the Imphal valley, and the remaining 40% composed of various tribes, including Nagas and Kukis, residing in the hill districts.
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