NEW DELHI : The Centre has appointed former Supreme Court judge Balbir Singh Chauhan as the new chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry probing the ethnic violence in Manipur, according to a government notification issued on February 26.

The appointment comes following the resignation of Ajai Lamba, who had been heading the panel since its inception. Justice Lamba’s resignation will take effect on February 28.

Justice Chauhan is set to assume charge of the commission from March 1, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and published in the official gazette.

The Commission of Inquiry was constituted by the Centre on June 4, 2023, on the recommendation of the Manipur government to examine what it described as a matter of “definite public importance.” The panel was initially headed by Justice Lamba, former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.

The commission has been mandated to investigate the sequence of events leading to the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state, assess the circumstances surrounding the unrest, and determine whether there were lapses or dereliction of duty on the part of any authority or individual.

Its terms of reference also include evaluating the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and respond to the violence and examining complaints and allegations submitted by individuals or organisations in connection with the incidents.

Ethnic violence in Manipur erupted on May 3, 2023, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organised in the hill districts to oppose the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

The unrest spiralled into widespread clashes between communities, leading to the loss of more than 260 lives and triggering large-scale displacement. Thousands were rendered homeless, and extensive damage was reported to homes, places of worship and public infrastructure.

The violence was preceded by heightened tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had sparked sporadic protests and confrontations before escalating into a prolonged and devastating conflict.

With Justice Chauhan’s appointment, the Centre has signalled continuity in the inquiry process at a time when the commission continues to examine one of the gravest episodes of ethnic unrest in the state’s recent history.

Officials indicated that the change in leadership would not affect the functioning or mandate of the panel, which remains tasked with submitting its findings and recommendations after completing its investigation.