Imphal: Calls for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the commencement of census operations gained momentum in Manipur on Tuesday, with several indigenous communities and civil society organisations holding public campaigns and sit-in protests across the state.
At a public campaign held at Siangai Namdai Chiru village in Kangpokpi district, the Naga Coordinating Committee (Western Foothills Manipur) brought together members of the Chiru, Rongmei, Kom and Aimol communities. Participants called for a broader collective movement seeking an update of the NRC and measures to identify and deport illegal immigrants from the state.
Speakers at the gathering said the demand for an NRC update should not be viewed as an issue concerning only the Meitei community. They urged Naga and other indigenous communities to participate actively in the campaign and support efforts aimed at addressing concerns over illegal immigration.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) also reiterated its demand for an NRC update, with 1951 proposed as the base year for determining citizenship. The organisation maintained that identifying illegal migrants was essential to addressing the state’s longstanding challenges and establishing lasting peace.
JFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba said the campaign would continue until the census process was deferred and the NRC updated. While acknowledging recent steps taken by the government in response to growing demands from indigenous communities, Ningomba said they did not go far enough.
He said the organisation would temporarily suspend intensive agitation in response to government appeals for additional time, but would continue peaceful public campaigns. Ningomba warned that stronger protests could be revived if the administration failed to respond adequately to the demands being raised by the public.
Separately, a coalition of civil society organisations held a sit-in protest at Waikhong in Kakching district. The participating groups included the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) and Manipuri Students Federation (MSF), among others.
Addressing the gathering, AMUCO president S. Sanjoy called for greater public unity in confronting the challenges facing Manipur. He also stressed the need to strengthen local employment and production systems to improve the state’s food self-reliance.
AMUCO secretary Laishram Krishnachandra expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged crisis that has continued since May 2023. He alleged that the Central Government had failed to adequately address the violence and concerns over illegal immigration, while accusing it of allowing ethnic divisions to deepen.
Krishnachandra appealed to people across communities to remain united and work collectively to protect the state’s interests amid the continuing crisis.