Guwahati : The Union government has extended the deadline for the Commission of Inquiry probing the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, granting the panel time until May 20, 2026, to submit its report, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday.

The three-member commission, headed by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba, was constituted on June 4, 2023, following a recommendation by the Manipur government. The panel also includes retired IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar.

The Home Ministry notification said the commission must submit its findings to the Central government “as soon as possible but not later than May 20, 2026.”

The panel was initially mandated to complete the inquiry within six months of its first sitting. However, the deadline has now been extended for the fifth time. Earlier extensions were granted on September 13, 2024; December 3, 2024; May 20, 2025; and through the latest order.

The commission has been tasked with examining the causes and spread of the violence, assessing lapses or negligence by authorities or individuals, and reviewing the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and control the unrest. It is also required to look into complaints and allegations submitted by individuals or organisations.

The Manipur violence erupted on May 3, 2023, following protests by Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the hill districts against a Manipur High Court recommendation to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to members of the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley. The clashes claimed at least 260 lives, destroyed homes and property, and displaced thousands of residents.

The Manipur government had recommended the setting up of a judicial commission on May 29, 2023, under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, to investigate the circumstances leading to the crisis. Acting on the recommendation, the Centre constituted the present inquiry panel.

Manipur is currently under President’s Rule, imposed on February 13, 2025, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9. Since assuming charge as Governor on January 3, Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been holding consultations with various stakeholders as part of efforts to restore normalcy in the state.

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