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A panelist speaks at the public discourse that was organised to discuss the NRC, in Imphal on Sun. Aug. 19.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 19: In an effort to bring deeper understanding and justify the necessity of NRC (National Register of Citizens) updation in Manipur and also to find out ways and means for early updation of NRC as part of checking illegal immigrants, a day-long discourse on ‘NRC updation in Manipur: Problems & Prospects’ was held in Imphal on Sun. Aug. 19.
The discourse was organised by the Ethno Heritage Council (Hericoun), a civil society organisation based in Manipur and panel discussion session was moderated by cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha.
Sharing his view during the discourse which was attended by representatives of various civil society organisations, students’ organisations leaders, intellectuals, women leaders and others, Prof RK Narendra who is the head of department of Bio-Statistics, RIMS Imphal expressed the need to have constitutional protection to protect the interest of the native people of Manipur.
Speaking as a resource person in the day’s discourse on ‘Exigency of NRC updation in Manipur’, Prof Narendra said that the state also needs a population policy apart from instituting a state population commission.
Sharing his view on ‘NRC in Assam and its implications from Manipur perspective,’ Faculty member Dr Chinglen Meisnam of Department of economics of Manipur University informed the gathering to have a think tank on the issue besides establishing a study centre on migration in the region. Dr Chinglen also emphasised the need to have time to time skill development programmes for the local population and develop work culture among the youths.
Participating on the discussion as a panelist, former social activist turned farmer Artax A Shimray expressed his desire that the present system in the state should be revamped in order to protect the native people of the region. For this there has to be a political will and the people should also raise their voice,he felt.
Retired police officer P Sonamani who had served in the Nagaland police also appealed to the concerned parties for the smooth implementation of the public decisions in the interest of the future generation. At the end the gathering has recommended NRC updation as a step to protect the native people and establishment of Manipur state population commission in the state to create policy and programme to control inflow of illegal immigrants.
