IMPHAL, July 29: The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) on Wednesday warned the government to announce, before August 6, its decision to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) prior to conducting the Census in Manipur, cautioning that failure to do so could trigger stronger public agitation.
The warning came during a sit-in protest organised by the JFD Task Force at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall.
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Speaking to reporters, JFD Campaign Committee Convenor Jitendra Ningomba alleged that the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants into Manipur has created serious challenges for the indigenous population. He said indigenous communities are increasingly facing threats to their land, identity and future due to demographic changes.
Jitendra Ningomba said that conducting the Census without first updating the NRC would only worsen the situation and could have long-term consequences for the state’s indigenous people. He asserted that the NRC must be updated before the Census to safeguard the rights and future of the indigenous communities.
Recalling the organisation’s earlier protests and campaigns, he said JFD has consistently demanded that the NRC be updated before any Census exercise is carried out. He urged the government to make its position clear before August 6 and officially announce that the NRC update will precede the Census.
The JFD warned that if the government fails to respond to the demand, it would hold the authorities responsible for any consequences arising from public resentment and would intensify its democratic agitation.
The organisation also appealed to all MLAs to treat the issue as a matter of public importance and actively pursue it with the government. It further urged local residents, clubs and Meira Paibi groups across the state to impress upon their respective legislators the need to ensure constitutional safeguards and protect the rights and interests of the indigenous people.
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