48-hour Manipur general strike over NRC demand enters second day

A 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation over the demand for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census entered its second day on Wednesday, August 19, with protesters adopting various forms of agitation across the valley districts.

Protesters blocked roads, burnt tyres and effigies at several places as part of the agitation. Essential services, including medical services, press, water supply and electricity, were exempted from the road blockades.

At Khurai in Imphal East, protesters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, accusing the State government of failing to ensure the updating of the NRC before the Census.

Protesters said the government’s alleged inaction had compelled them to take to the streets. They maintained that the demand for updating the NRC before the Census was legitimate and had the support of indigenous communities in the State.

“If we do not act now, our future will be at stake due to the large number of illegal immigrants. The government should not remain silent. What we are doing today is not for our benefit alone,” a protester said.

The strike has affected normal life across several parts of the valley, with road blockades disrupting vehicular movement. Protesters said even prominent individuals were not being allowed to pass through the blockades, except those providing essential services.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had appealed to the organisers to withdraw the 48-hour general strike and adopt other democratic forms of protest. He said the strike had affected various sections of society, particularly daily wage earners.

The Chief Minister has also said that the State government supports the NRC and that several initiatives have already been undertaken in this regard.

Meanwhile, some NDA MLAs have left for Delhi to meet Central leaders and seek their intervention on the demand for updating the NRC before the Census.

The general strike is scheduled to continue for 48 hours, with further protests expected across the valley districts.