IMPHAL/UKHRUL: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), Manipur, on Monday announced that it would temporarily put its stronger forms of agitation on hold following the state government’s appeal, while warning that intensified protests would be resumed if the government fails to implement its assurances in the proper manner.
JFD co-convenor Longjam Ratan said the decision was taken in response to the appeal made by Manipur Government spokesperson and MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh on October 3 to put the organisation’s deadline on hold.
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Addressing a press meet at the Citizens’ Club, Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Khunou, Ratan said the temporary suspension of the stronger forms of agitation should not be construed as a withdrawal of the JFD’s demands.
He said the JFD would continue to monitor the government’s actions, particularly on its demands for updation of the 1951 National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census, strengthening of the Manipur State Population Commission, formulation of a Manipur Population Policy and preparation of a White Paper on NRC updation.
The JFD said it would continue its MLA Signature Campaign, campaign meetings and other programmes during the period.
However, if the government fails to take up the promised measures properly or does not make meaningful progress, the organisation would resume its stronger forms of agitation with wider public participation, it said.
The organisation also reiterated that the “NO NRC, NO CENSUS” campaign would continue until its core demands are addressed.
The JFD said its sustained campaign had contributed to the deferment of the house-listing exercise, a component of Census 2027, in Manipur. It also recalled that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had earlier adopted a resolution urging the Centre to update the NRC before conducting the Census in the state.
The organisation said the government must now translate its assurances into concrete action, adding that the people of Manipur would closely watch the progress of the measures.
