Manipur government will send an MLA delegation to New Delhi to pursue NRC updation, while reiterating support for conducting the NRC before the Census.
Imphal, Aug 18: The Manipur government will send a delegation of MLAs to New Delhi to meet and engage with Central leaders over the demand for updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, Government spokesperson and MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh stated on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) auditorium at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal, Dr Singh reiterated the state government's position that NRC updation should be taken up in Manipur amid concerns over demographic changes, demographic imbalance and illegal migration.
He stated that the government remains committed to addressing concerns surrounding the NRC and Census and maintained that it stands with the people of Manipur on the issue.
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Dr Ranjan recalled that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution on August 5, 2022, calling for the NRC to be taken up in the state. The resolution was reaffirmed by the Assembly on March 1, 2024.
According to the government spokesperson, the matter has remained a longstanding concern for the state government, which has continued to pursue it through correspondence with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Dr Ranjan announced that a team of MLAs would travel to New Delhi to seek guidance from the Central leadership and urge the Union government to initiate the NRC updation process in Manipur.
He emphasised that the issue should be pursued collectively, without differences based on political affiliation, community or other considerations, as it concerns the future of the state and its people.
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The government spokesperson also acknowledged the demand raised by civil society organisations and sections of the public that the NRC should be conducted before the Census.
He stated that the government would continue engaging with the Central government and make efforts to ensure that the demand is considered.
On the ongoing bandh and protests over the NRC and Census issue, Dr Ranjan acknowledged peaceful protest as a democratic right.
At the same time, he appealed to protesters to express their grievances peacefully and democratically, without violence or actions that could cause inconvenience to the general public.
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He specifically noted the potential impact of disruptions on students and people whose livelihoods depend on regular movement and economic activity.
Addressing questions about the NRC process, Dr Ranjan stated that several aspects would require discussion and consideration at different levels before the exercise could be taken up.
He expressed hope that continued dialogue and engagement would lead to positive developments on the issue.
The spokesperson again stressed that the effort should remain a collective endeavour and should not be viewed through the prism of political parties, communities or religions.
He expressed confidence that continued engagement with the Central leadership would produce a positive outcome.
Government spokesperson and MLA Thokchom Radheshyam was also present at the press conference, along with MLAs Th. Shyamkumar, P. Brojen, T. Robindro, S. Premchandra, Sapam Kunjakeshwor Singh, Th. Shanti and Ashab Uddin.
