Churachandpur, May 23, 2025, Virthli (ONP): The Indian government has designated the Court of District and Sessions Judge in Churachandpur as a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court to expedite trials related to the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), was made in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, under Section 11 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
 |
| District and Sessions Court, Churachandpur |
The newly established special court will have jurisdiction across the entire state of Manipur, focusing on cases investigated by the NIA concerning the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Among the prominent cases is the abduction and murder of six women and children in Jiribam district, which the NIA took over in November 2024 due to the severity of the crimes and the deteriorating law and order situation.
The ethnic violence, which began on May 3, 2023, following protests by Kuki-Zo tribals against a high court recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community, has resulted in at least 260 deaths and the displacement of thousands. In response to the escalating crisis, the central government imposed President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025, after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
ALSO READ: Justice Kempaiah Somashekar Sworn In as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court
The establishment of the Special NIA Court is seen as a critical step towards delivering justice to the victims and restoring peace in the region.
