IMPHAL/UKHRUL: A large number of women and mothers under the Women wing of Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) campaign staged a protest in Imphal on Sunday, demanding that the government complete the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year before conducting the Census in Manipur.
The protesters from Citizens Club, Soibam Leikai, marched towards the chief minister’s Bungalow to seek a response from the state government on their demands. They were stopped by security forces at Konung Mamang.
Also read | Injured Naga victim succumbs to injuries, death toll rises to three in Kailengjang attack
The protesters later sought permission to meet the chief minister. However, after permission was not granted, the gathering attempted to proceed towards the CM Bungalow, following which security personnel tried to disperse them using mock bombs and several tear gas shells.
Two people reportedly sustained injuries during the security action.
The protesters have been demanding that the Census should not be conducted in Manipur until the NRC is updated, with 1951 as the base year. They have also demanded that the Census process concerning internally displaced persons (IDPs) should be taken up only after they are rehabilitated in their original homes.
The JFD campaign and sections of the people have been organising various protests over the demands for NRC updation before the Census and the use of 1951 as the base year.
The protesters also demanded that the state government convey a clear response to the Centre and the people on the issue by September 30. They said they would not accept continued inaction and sought clarity on the steps being taken by the government.
Also read CM, MLA Awangbow, ANSAM, Condemn Kalenjang Killings
