Manipur legislators will visit New Delhi to urge the Centre to take up the NRC update in the state, amid renewed demands from civil society groups and the public.
IMPHAL — A delegation of Manipur legislators is set to visit New Delhi to seek guidance from central leaders and urge the Centre to take up the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state at the earliest.
Government spokesperson Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh announced this during a press conference at the DIPR conference hall on Tuesday, stressing that the issue should be addressed collectively, irrespective of political affiliations, community differences or other considerations, as it concerns the future of Manipur and its people.
Singh said the state government remains serious about issues concerning the NRC and Census and stands with the people of Manipur in addressing their concerns.
He pointed out that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution on August 5, 2022, urging the Centre to take up the NRC in the state. The resolution was subsequently reaffirmed by the Assembly on March 1, 2024.
According to Singh, the NRC issue has remained a longstanding concern of the state government, with continuous efforts being made through correspondence with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
On the ongoing bandh and protests, Singh acknowledged that peaceful protest is a democratic right.
However, he appealed to protesters to express their grievances peacefully and democratically without resorting to violence or causing inconvenience to the general public, students and those whose livelihoods may be affected by disruptions.
Responding to the demand from civil society organisations and the people of Manipur that the NRC be conducted before the Census, Singh said the government would continue to pursue the matter with the Centre and make every effort to ensure that the demand is considered.
Regarding the NRC process, he said the matter requires discussion and consideration at various levels, adding that several aspects may need to be addressed before the exercise can be taken up.
Singh expressed hope that positive developments would emerge through continued efforts and dialogue with the central government.
Former Education Minister and government spokesperson Th Radheshyam reiterated the government’s position that the NRC update should be taken up in Manipur, citing concerns over demographic changes, demographic imbalance and illegal migration.
Legislators Th Shyamkumar, P Brojen, T Robindro, S Premchandra, Sapam Kunjakeshwor Singh, Thongam Shanti and Ashab Uddin were also present at the press conference.