Imphal, August 18: The Manipur government has once again emphasized the need to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. Concerns regarding changes in population structure, demographic imbalances, and illegal immigration have been rising, according to government officials.
A delegation of Manipur legislators is set to travel to New Delhi shortly. This team will seek guidance from the central government and reiterate the demand to initiate the NRC update process in the state.
Government spokesperson Nityai Pat Chuthek and BJP legislator Sapam Ranjan Singh stated that the state government is serious about issues related to the NRC and census, aligning with the concerns of the people of Manipur.
Former minister Sapam Ranjan Singh noted that the Manipur Assembly passed a resolution on August 5, 2022, calling for the implementation of the NRC in the state. This resolution was reaffirmed by the Assembly on March 1, 2024.
Both leaders informed the media that this issue has long been a matter of concern for the state government, which has been in continuous correspondence with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Sapam Ranjan Singh mentioned that the delegation will discuss this matter with the central government and urge the initiation of the NRC update process.
The BJP legislator stressed that this issue should be viewed beyond political parties, communities, or other differences, as it pertains to the future of the state and its people. The government acknowledges the demand from civil organizations and the people of Manipur to update the NRC before the 2027 census.
He added that the state government will persistently raise this issue with the central government and make every possible effort to have the demand accepted.
Regarding ongoing strikes and protests in various districts of the state, Sapam Ranjan Singh stated that peaceful protests are a democratic right. However, he urged demonstrators to express their demands in a non-violent and democratic manner, avoiding any form of violence.
He emphasized that no movement should cause inconvenience to the general public, students, or those earning a livelihood. He noted that the NRC process is a subject that requires discussion and deliberation at various levels, and several aspects need to be addressed before its implementation.
The legislator expressed hope that continuous efforts and dialogue would yield positive results in this direction.
He reiterated that the NRC issue is a collective effort and should not be viewed through the lens of political parties, communities, or religion. He is confident that ongoing dialogue with the central government will lead to a positive resolution.
A press conference held at the auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) was attended by another government spokesperson and legislator Thokchom Radheshyam, along with legislators Thokchom Shyamkumar, P Brojen, T Robindro, S Premchandra, Sapam Kunjkeshwar Singh, Thokchom Shanti, and Ashab Uddin.
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