The Supreme Court of India has refused to entertain a plea for the immediate deployment of armed forces in Manipur amidst escalating violence between the Meiteis and Kukis.

The court deemed the situation "purely an issue of law and order" and emphasised that it should be addressed within the existing framework of the state's security apparatus.

The plea sought the armed forces' intervention to safeguard the Kuki community and bring the perpetrators of violence to justice. Gonsalves expressed urgency, highlighting the mounting death toll of tribal people despite assurances from the state government.

However, the Solicitor-General, representing the Manipur government, opposed the plea, stating that security agencies were already on the ground, actively working to resolve the crisis. He urged the court to prioritise pending matters and emphasised that the public interest could wait.

The SC bench acknowledged the gravity of the situation but questioned the basis of Gonsalves' calculations regarding future casualties. They underlined the importance of maintaining law and order without exacerbating the issue through speculative claims.

The court ultimately decided to list the matter for July 3, after the summer break. This break allows vacation benches to handle urgent cases and expedite final disposals with the consent of both parties.

The violence in Manipur erupted after a rally by a tribal Kuki group protesting against a controversial high court order considering the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.

The clashes have resulted in a significant loss of lives, injuries, and displacement, deepening the need for swift resolution and the restoration of peace.