Normal life remained disrupted across Manipur for a second day as a 48-hour strike demanded NRC update before Census
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IMPHAL — Normal life remained disrupted across Manipur, particularly in the valley districts, for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as a 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) continued. The strike is scheduled to end at midnight on Wednesday.
The strike has been called to demand that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated in the State before the Census exercise.
Imphal town remained largely deserted, with short-distance and inter-district transport services suspended for the second day. Some private vehicles, mostly two-wheelers, were seen plying on major roads.
Markets and commercial establishments, including the iconic Ima Keithel (women’s market), Singjamei Keithel, Lamlong Keithel and Kwakeithel, remained closed. Educational institutions also remained shut, while attendance in government offices was reported to be minimal.
Manipur Police and Central security forces maintained heightened security across the State to prevent any untoward incidents during the strike.
Protesters reportedly burnt effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah at Khurai in Imphal East.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khemchand, while meeting artistes at his official residence on Wednesday, reiterated the State government’s support for implementation of the NRC in Manipur.
A delegation of MLAs also left for New Delhi on Wednesday to seek guidance from and urge Central leaders to expedite the issue of updating the NRC in the State.
On Tuesday, government spokesperson Dr. S Ranjan Singh said the government remained serious about issues concerning the NRC and Census. He noted that the State Assembly had passed a resolution on August 5, 2022, urging implementation of the NRC, which was reaffirmed on March 1, 2024.