IMPHAL: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has called a two-day general strike across Manipur from midnight tonight, demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated before the census is conducted.
Speaking at a press meet held at Wal United Youths Club at Wangkhei Angom Leikai on Monday, JFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba said the government had failed to address the demand for NRC updation despite repeated appeals.
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He said the government had proceeded with the census self-enumeration process without first addressing the concerns raised by the people, prompting the JFD to intensify its agitation.
The JFD’s agitation received support from Naga and Meitei Pangal organisations, whose representatives attended the press meet. Those present included Trimson Saka, CNPO working committee convenor; Dr L. Phaomei, Native People Committee co-convenor; Islam Makakcha, advisor, United Meitei Pangal Committee, Manipur; and Akhiu Ngaomei, convenor, Foothill Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC).
Jeetendra said representatives of different communities had discussed the prevailing situation and expressed support for the JFD’s demand to update the NRC before proceeding with the census.
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He said conducting the census without addressing issues related to displaced people and other concerns could adversely affect the indigenous communities of Manipur.
The two-day general strike will begin at midnight on August 17 and continue until midnight on August 19.
Jeetendra said the strike was a collective call to the government to listen to the concerns of the people and reconsider the ongoing census process. He warned that if the government failed to respond, the JFD and its supporting organisations would consider further intensifying the agitation.
