NRC first call rings through roads of Imphal

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 8 : A public rally was taken out in Imphal today demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) 1951 be updated before the Census operations in Manipur.
Organised by the 14 Civil Society Organisations, Kangleipak and participated by members of different communities, the rally commenced from Tiddim Ground at Kwakeithel around 11 am and culminated at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, after passing through Keishampat, Waheng Leikai, Nagamapal, and Khuyathong.
During the procession, participants raised slogans and displayed placards carrying messages such as “Do not neglect Manipur,” “No NRC Update, No Census,” “NRC is the only solution to save our indigenous people,” “Nominate an agency from Manipur for the High-Power Committee,” and “Update NRC 1951 before the Census.”
Following the rally, six resolutions were adopted at a public convention held at THAU Ground.
The resolutions urged the State Government and the Centre to update the NRC 1951 in the context of Manipur prior to the population census.
Among others, the meeting also resolved to urge the Chief Minister to take special initiative to facilitate meaningful dialogue with the Centre on the issue, and to request the High-Level Committee on Demographic Change constituted by the Centre to include a nominee or agency of the Government of Manipur.
It further called for wider public consultation on the matter.
The convention was graced by 14 CSOs, Kang-leipak chairman Yumnam- cha Dilipkumar and Vice Chancellor of Khongnang-thaba University Professor Naorem Joykumar.
Addressing the function, representatives of various organisations expressed their views on issues surrounding illegal immigrants and the need to update the NRC.
Daichui Gangmei, President of the Rongmei Naga Students Organisation Manipur (RNSOM), said that the indigenous communities of Manipur must stand united and exert pressure on the Centre to update the NRC.
Saying the conflicts between Meitei and Kuki, as well as between Kuki and Naga, are linked to illegal immigrants, he urged the State Government to take the issue seriously and take necessary action.
He also called for a united effort among the indigenous communities to ensure the NRC is updated in the State.
Highlighting the same concern, Shanta Nahakpam, convenor of 14 CSOs Kangleipak, also said that updating the NRC is necessary to identify and deport illegal immigrants and to leave no room for misrepresentation in the upcoming delimitation process.
Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee (MIMCC) chairman Besii Mao said that updating the NRC would help check the influx of illegal immigrants
The ongoing crisis in Manipur is linked to illegal immigration,  Besii said.
Kabui Union Manipur president Dr Heera Kabui, on the other hand, said that the future of the indigenous people of Manipur will remain uncertain if the NRC is not updated.
"Let's safeguard Sanaleibak together, as we are all members of a single family,  though we may speak different languages,” he appealed to all indigenous communities of the State. Representatives of various other organisations also spoke at the convention and urged the Government to update the NRC.