IMPHAL: The Government of Manipur today reiterated its stand that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation should be taken up in the state citing concerns over demographic changes, demographic imbalance and illegal migration.
Addressing a press conference held at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government spokesperson and MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh said the government remains serious about the issues concerning the NRC and Census and stands with the people of Manipur in addressing their concerns.
Also read N Biren Singh Says Amit Shah Gives Positive Response to NRC Demand
Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh said that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution on August 5, 2022, urging that the NRC be taken up in the state.
The resolution was subsequently reaffirmed by the Assembly on March 1, 2024.
Ranjan stated that the issue has remained a longstanding concern of the state government and that efforts have been continuously pursued through correspondence with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
He also informed that a team of MLAs would visit New Delhi to seek guidance and urge the Central Government to take up the NRC updation. He stressed that the issue should be addressed collectively, irrespective of political party, community or other differences, as it concerns the future of the state and its people.
He reiterated that the government acknowledged the demand of civil society organizations and the people of Manipur that NRC should be conducted before the Census. He said the government would continue to pursue the matter with the central government and make every effort to ensure that the demand is considered.
While acknowledging the ongoing bandh and protests as a democratic right of the citizens, Ranjan appealed to the protesters to express their grievances peacefully and democratically without resorting to violence or causing inconvenience to the general public.
Also read JFD Calls Two-Day General Strike Across Manipur With Naga, Meitei Pangal Support
“The NRC process requires discussion and consideration at various levels and that several aspects need to be addressed before it is taken up,” he said while also expressing hope of emerging positive developments.
“The efforts should remain a collective endeavor and not be viewed through the lens of political parties, communities or religions,” Ranjan added.
MLA Thokchom Radheshyam, MLAs Th Shyamkumar, P Brojen, T Robindro, S Premchandra, Sapam Kunjakeshwor Singh, Th Shanti and Ashab Uddin were also present at the press conference
