Manipur violence probe panel gets six-month extension to submit report

The government notification said the Center has given an extension of six months to the Commission of Inquiry, till November 20, 2026, to submit its report on the investigation into the 2023 Manipur violence that claimed over 260 lives.

The three-member panel, currently headed by former Supreme Court judge Balbir Singh Chauhan, was formed on June 4, 2023, in the wake of ethnic violence that broke out in the Northeastern State in May the same year.

It was initially headed by former Gauhati High Court chief judge Ajai Lamba, who resigned from February 28. Justice Chauhan took over on March 1.

According to the notification published in the newspaper on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Commission will submit its report to the Center “as soon as possible, but no later than November 20, 2026.”

The panel is investigating the events and facts regarding the ethnic violence that broke out in the state on May 3, 2023, following the “Tribal Solidarity March” held in the mountainous areas.

The protest was held against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence that followed claimed the lives of more than 260 people. The violence was preceded by previous tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest lands, which had led to a series of minor agitations.

The Center constituted the Commission on the recommendation of the Manipur government, citing the need for an investigation into a matter of public concern. The scope of the investigation includes determining whether there has been any negligence or dereliction of duty by any authorized or responsible person.

The commission also evaluates the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and combat violence and riots. It examines complaints or allegations submitted by any person or association.

Since then, he has been granted several extensions to submit his report on September 13, 2024, December 3, 2024, May 20, 2025, and December 16, 2025, and this latest order is the fifth order. In its last extension, the Union Home Ministry had given time until May 20 to submit its report to the Commission.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated June 4, 2023, large-scale violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, claiming the lives of many residents of the state and leaving many injured. In the statement, it was stated that people’s houses and properties were burned as a result of arson and many were left homeless.