The JFD has announced a state-wide shutdown of central and state government offices in Manipur from Sept. 11, demanding an NRC update using 1951 as the base year before the Census.
IMPHAL — The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), which has been spearheading a public agitation demanding the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur with 1951 as the base year before the Census exercise, on Thursday, announced a state-wide shutdown of Central and state government offices from September 11.
JFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba, accompanied by other leaders, made the announcement during a media briefing in Imphal.
The decision follows the deadline set by the JFD for September 10 for the Manipur government to convey its demand to the Central government and seek an official order on the issue.
“However, no such action has been communicated so far, as the Manipur government leadership failed to travel to Delhi and pursue the demand with the Centre. The JFD would proceed with its proposed shutdown,” Ningomba said.
The shutdown will exempt offices providing essential services, including electricity, water supply, medical services, agriculture, courts, post offices and banks, he said.
Ningomba further warned that any attempt by the government to suppress the movement could lead the JFD and the people of Manipur to resort to various forms of democratic agitation.
Meanwhile, Manipur government spokesperson Th Radheshyam appealed to the JFD to adopt an alternative form of agitation that would not cause inconvenience to the general public.
Radheshyam said the government had reaffirmed its commitment to urge the Government of India to update the NRC in Manipur before conducting the Census, in the interest of the state.
The recently concluded Assembly session reaffirmed earlier resolutions passed on August 5, 2022, and March 1, 2024, urging the Government of India to update the NRC in Manipur before conducting the Census, in the interest of the state in particular and the nation in general.
Responding to a question on the United Naga Council’s (UNC) move to intensify its ongoing economic blockade on all National Highways, the state’s supply routes, he said the government was in touch with the concerned stakeholders to facilitate talks.
“So we’re appealing not to give harassment to the general public,” he added.
Radheshyam also informed that a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh approved the recruitment of 2,720 personnel for various posts in the Police department.
Five percent of the posts, numbering around 125, have been earmarked for meritorious sportspersons from the state.