JFD volunteers lock government offices across Manipur over NRC demand

Volunteers of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) on September 11 locked several government offices across Manipur as part of their ongoing agitation demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, with 1951 as the base year.

Among the offices targeted were the Trade Centre Imphal located at the SDO Office complex in Porompat, Imphal East, the Moirang SDO office and the Sub-Registrar's office in Moirang.

The volunteers also carried out a poster campaign as part of the agitation. The posters read, “Don’t attend office”, “No NRC, No Census” and “NRC base year should be 1951”.

At least three JFD volunteers participating in the office-locking drive were detained by police.

Police personnel reached the locations and intervened following the locking of the offices. The locks placed by the protesters were subsequently removed and the offices reopened.

The JFD had earlier announced a statewide shutdown of State and Central government offices in Manipur from September 11 as part of its campaign for NRC updation with 1951 as the base year.

The organisation has urged the Manipur government to press the Centre to take steps towards updating the NRC before September 10.

However, essential services, including education, water supply, electricity and post offices, have been exempted from the proposed shutdown.

The JFD has been pressing for 1951 to be adopted as the base year for NRC updation, linking the demand to its wider campaign on delimitation and citizenship-related issues in Manipur.