Manipur protesters demand NRC updation before Census, warn of intensified stir

A protest rally was held in Imphal West on Wednesday, August 19 in support of a 48-hour general strike demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before the Census exercise is completed, with protesters warning of an intensification of the agitation if the government does not defer the ongoing process.

The rally was organised as part of the ongoing campaign by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD). Protesters from Langthabal Chingthak and adjoining areas, including Chingkha Kabui Khul, Kakwa, Langthabal, Naorem Leikai and Singjamei, gathered at the Kakwa Naorem Leikai Nongpok Panthoibi Community Hall before marching through the area.

Convenor of Ima gi Meira, Sujata Thockchom, said the people of Manipur had repeatedly demanded that NRC updation be carried out before the Census. She alleged that the government had failed to act on the demand despite several rounds of protests, while the Census exercise had already begun in the state.

The protesters said they were not opposed to the Census but wanted it to be conducted only after the NRC was updated. Referring to processes undertaken in neighbouring northeastern states, Thockchom questioned why a similar exercise could not be carried out in Manipur.

She also argued that the prevailing situation in Manipur was not conducive to conducting the Census. According to her, a large number of people remain displaced and are living in relief camps, while concerns over illegal immigration also need to be addressed before the exercise is completed.

The protesters demanded a clear response from the government on their call for NRC updation before the Census and reiterated their demand for the Census process to be deferred until the issue is addressed.

They also criticised the recent visit of BJP MLAs from Manipur to Delhi, describing it as a "political gimmick" and questioning whether the visit would lead to any concrete action on the concerns raised by the people.

The protesters warned that the agitation would be intensified if the government failed to respond to their demands and reiterated that NRC updation should precede the Census in the state.