Protect lives in Manipur, act on suggestions: Supreme Court over deploying army in state
Hindustan TimesOne of the greatest hallmarks of democracy is the civilian control over the armed forces, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday, refusing to issue orders for the deployment of army and paramilitary forces in Manipur, which has been reeling under ethnic violence since early May. The court asked solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the state government, to submit an updated status report on the situation in the state after two weeks Read here: 142 killed till July 4 in Manipur clashes: Centre informs Supreme Court “You are asking for directions to the army and paramilitary forces for taking certain specific steps. We are conscious that it won’t be proper for this court in exercise of judicial function to pass specific orders on deployment of army and paramilitary forces.” At the same time, the order added: “However, we impress upon the state and Union to take all steps to ensure there is protection of life and liberty of people in Manipur.” The bench told Gonsalves that it would be a “dangerous” proposition to pass orders on deployment of the army, but the court has been constantly monitoring the situation in the northeastern state. The court asked solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the state government, to submit an updated status report on the situation in the state after two weeks.