Manipur: Fourteen civil society groups welcome census deferment, renew call for NRC update

Fourteen civil society organisations of Kangleipak have welcomed the Centre’s decision to defer the Census, while reiterating their demand for updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year.

The organisations said the decision came after sustained pressure and appeals from civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders. Representatives of the 14 CSOs had also travelled to Delhi to press for the deferment of the census exercise.

While welcoming the Centre’s decision, the organisations said the move did not settle the issue of NRC updation, which remains a key part of their demands.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday evening, convenor of the 14 CSOs, Shanta Nahakpam, said their position on updating the NRC with 1951 as the base year remained unchanged. He said the organisations would continue to pursue the demand.

As part of the next phase of their campaign, the CSOs will hold a seminar on September 7 with representatives of more than 26 civil society organisations from different communities.

The seminar will discuss the recent resolution on the NRC passed during the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Centre’s decision to defer the Census and the way forward on the demand for NRC updation using 1951 as the base year.

Nahakpam appealed to people and civil society organisations to attend the seminar and share any documents they may have relating to the NRC.

He said the meeting would seek to bring greater clarity to the issue and help the participating organisations work towards a set of common objectives.