Manipur Violence Probe Extension: Panel Gets Fifth Reprieve, Report Now Due in May 2026
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A three-member Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the ethnic violence in Manipur has been granted a fifth extension to submit its report. The latest notification from the Union home ministry extends the deadline to May 20, 2026, marking the fifth such extension given to the commission. The commission, led by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba, was established on June 4, 2023, to probe the causes and spread of the violence targeting different communities in Manipur. The violence began on May 3, 2023, and has claimed over 260 lives, leaving thousands homeless. The commission's terms of reference include examining the sequence of events leading to the violence, identifying lapses or dereliction of duty by responsible authorities or individuals, and assessing the adequacy of administrative measures to prevent and deal with the violence. The inquiry will also look into complaints or allegations made by individuals or associations. The commission has two offices in Imphal and New Delhi, where proceedings are conducted. The Centre imposed President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025, after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The assembly remains under suspended animation, and the two communities continue to be divided along ethnic lines. Fresh tension erupted in the Torbung area on Tuesday following cross-firing between security forces and unknown armed miscreants. The violence has been ongoing since May 2023, and the commission's report is now due in May 2026, after the fifth extension.
