‘People should bridge the divide’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 13 : Expressing concern over the crisis plaguing Manipur, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, a Judge of the Supreme Court, has stated that the onus of bridging the divide among communities rests solely with the people of the State.
Addressing a lecture series held at the High Court Auditorium at Mantripukhri as chief guest today, he called upon people from both the hills and the valley to reflect deeply on the causes behind the ongoing crisis.
Manipur is not on the minds of people outside and the majority of Indians are unaware of the situation here, he said and added that all they (non locals) hear is that people are killing each other.
He noted that Manipur was once recognised for its tradition of peaceful coexistence among communities.
However, Justice Kotiswar observed that the State now appears virtually divided and emphasised that the responsibility for healing these divisions lies with the people of Manipur alone.
This is the moment for introspection, he said, urging the people to move beyond the tendency to hold the Government responsible for all issues.
Expressing concern over corruption, Justice Kotiswar said it has weakened society and eroded institutions.
He further noted that years of violence and unrest have adversely impacted several public offices.
Despite these challenges, he praised the resilience of the people of Manipur.
Observing that the State continues to produce outstanding sports persons who bring laurels to the country at National and international levels, he urged citizens to demonstrate the same determination in restoring peace and ending conflict.
The Judge also underscored the need to strengthen legal education and judicial infrastructure in the State, expressing hope that Manipur would soon have a National Law University.
Justice must reach every village, which is why the High Court exists, he said, calling for greater cooperation between lawyers from the hills and the valley.
The function was presided by Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Justice M Sundar, who in his welcome address described the occasion as a proud moment for the State’s legal fraternity.
He said Justice Kotiswar Singh’s journey from Manipur to the Supreme Court would serve as an inspiration for young lawyers, students, and Judges.
The event was attended by several senior members of the legal fraternity, including Justice A Bimol Singh, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, former Judge and MJA Director Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu, Advocate General Lenin Singh Hijam, Bar Council Chairman S Brajabihari Singh, High Court Bar Association president N Kumarjit Singh, All Manipur Bar Association president Ch Bimolchandra Singh, and Deputy Solicitor General Kh Samarjit Singh.
During the interactive session, Kotiswar also spoke on contemporary challenges in the justice delivery system.
The lecture series covered four key themes: bail jurisprudence, alternative dispute resolution, Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, and professional ethics in the digital era.