Cry for NRC updation in Manipur

Chingthang Nambam
Three decades ago, the only apex student bodies representing inclusive Manipuri students launched a campaign against illegal immigration, popularly known as the “Foreigner Issue.” The movement raised the powerful slogan, “Go Back Foreigner,” beginning on July 22, 1980.
On August 5 of the same year, the All Manipur Students' Union and All Manipur Students' Coordinating Committee concluded their agitation following a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Manipur, then led by Chief Minister RK Dorendro Singh of the Indian National Congress.
The key points agreed upon between the Government of Manipur and the student bodies were to identify, detect, and deport illegal immigrants in Manipur, based on the year 1951. The choice of 1951 is significant because Article 5 of the Constitution of India defines citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Subsequently, the first National Register of Citizens (NRC) was prepared alongside the Nationwide census.
However, since then, there has been no concrete or positive implementation of the NRC or a similar model in Manipur. The agreement between the Government and the student bodies has remained virtually frozen over time. It was only on August 5, 2022, that the Manipur State Assembly passed a resolution to implement the NRC, which was reaffirmed again on March 1, 2024.
Today, the people of Manipur who believe in the idea of “Manipur for Manipuris” are increasingly apprehensive about existential threats, demographic imbalance, and the gradual erosion of indigenous identity due to the influx of migrants. In this context, the demand for a legitimate National process like NRC updation, or a similar mechanism, is seen as the only viable solution to address the prevailing uncertainty and confusion surrounding the core issues facing Manipur.
Finally, there is an urgent need for a collective approach rather than pressure from select groups or sections of civil society organizations. It is time for all stakeholders—including political leaders, intellectuals, legal experts, and community representatives—to come together on a single platform and speak with one unified voice.
Blame games, criticism, and counter-criticism will not help achieve the desired goal. From this moment onward, unity and coordinated action must guide our efforts toward a commonly agreed demand for NRC updation in Manipur.

The writer is a local social activist, Publicity Secretary of Uripok Apunba Lup (AUL), and Secretary of Uripok Tourangbam Leikai Welfare Organisation (UTWLO)