Supreme Court Slams Manipur Govt Over Prisoner's Treatment Neglect

The Supreme Court criticized the Manipur government for not providing medical treatment to an undertrial prisoner from the Kuki community. The court demanded a medical examination and urged the state to ensure his treatment. The situation highlights ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.

The Supreme Court of India harshly criticized the Manipur government on Wednesday for failing to provide medical treatment to an undertrial prisoner from the minority Kuki community. The prisoner, Lunkhongam Haokip, remains untreated despite severe ailments, including piles and tuberculosis, raising significant safety concerns.

Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan strongly rebuked the state for its negligence. 'We do not trust the state...The accused was not taken to the hospital because he is from the Kuki community. So sad! We direct him to be examined now. If the medical report reveals something serious, we will take you to task,' the bench remarked, directing urgent medical intervention.

The court also noted that ethnic conflict in Manipur, particularly between the Kuki and Meitei communities, contributes to the crisis, with over 170 deaths and hundreds injured since violence erupted in May last year. The bench instructed state authorities to arrange immediate transportation for Haokip to Gauhati Medical College, emphasizing a comprehensive medical examination and treatment at the state's expense.