Imphal: Six student bodies in Manipur have launched a movement demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state to identify and screen out illegal immigrants and safeguard the state’s integrity.
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As part of the movement, students from Imphal College on Saturday afternoon marched towards the Governor’s Bungalow, chanting slogans and holding placards in support of implementing the NRC. Police attempted to halt the rally at Kwakeithel, leading to a confrontation at the police barricade put up at Keishampat bridge, but no injuries were reported.
The protesting students passed through the barricade and reached the Governor’s Bungalow, where they staged a sit-in in front of the bungalow gate before retreating themselves.
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The movement was announced by the President of the Manipuri Students Federation, Hijam Roshan yesterday. He emphasized the need to introduce the NRC, citing the recent detention of 44 individuals, including 32 Myanmar nationals, during search operations in Moreh following the killing of Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anandkumar.
Roshan also mentioned that the NIA and the Ministry of External Affairs had raised concerns about illegal armed immigrants contributing to violence in Manipur. He expressed scepticism about the government’s Biometric Capturing program for illegal immigrants, suggesting it was a measure to placate public concerns.
