SC Judge N. Kotiswar Singh Urges Manipur to Look Ahead with Hope During Visit

Bishnupur, Manipur | March 22: During the Supreme Court’s high-profile visit to conflict-torn Manipur, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh on Wednesday called for optimism and unity, urging people not to dwell in the past but to look forward to a brighter future.

Addressing a gathering in Bishnupur, Justice Kotiswar Singh remarked, “The Supreme Court visit is a very remarkable thing… We must look forward and think of the future… We should not live in the past, pain or tragedy that has taken place… We must look forward to a brighter future… It may take time, but we must hope and be positive.”

His comments come amid continuing tension and humanitarian challenges following the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur last year. The visit by six Supreme Court judges, led by Justice B.R. Gavai under the banner of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), is part of an outreach programme to assess the situation on the ground and interact with affected communities.

Justice Kotiswar Singh, the only judge from Manipur currently serving in the Supreme Court, emphasized the importance of reconciliation and collective healing. His message struck a chord in a state still grappling with deep divides, displacement, and calls for justice from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

As the judicial delegation continues its visit, many hope that their presence will pave the way for stronger legal intervention, accountability, and long-term peacebuilding efforts in the region.