India, Sept. 18 -- Expressing shock over scores of deaths in relief camps meant for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Manipur chief secretary to apprise it of the steps taken to probe, initiate criminal proceedings and ensure the safety of those living there.

Cautioning the top bureaucrat of the state, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked why no significant steps were taken on the information provided by the Justice Gita Mittal committee relating to deaths, including unnatural ones, of IDPs in relief camps.

"We direct the chief secretary of Manipur to file an affidavit on deaths, especially unnatural deaths, at relief camps ...