CSOs demand clarification on ‘fair census’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 30 : A conglomerate of as many as 14 civil society organizations (CSOs) has demanded that the State Government clarify the exact nature and methodology of the proposed "fair and proper census" recently announced by Chief Minister Y Khemchand.
Speaking to media persons at the office of the Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) at Keishampat today, Shanta Nahakpam, convenor of the 14 CSOs, said that there is a lot of confusion among the public regarding the Chief Minister's statement.
Moreover, statements made by the Chief Minister, his Ministers, MLAs and different political parties on the scheduled census exercise are inconsistent, he said.
While some political parties have expressed strong objection to conducting census exercise under the prevailing situation, a few others have spoken in favour of census operations, he said.  
He underscored the urgent need to work out a consensus on the issue of census among BJP, its partners and the Opposition party.
MLA T Robindro, acting as the Government spokesperson, previously stated in the media that the census would be conducted only after updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and completion of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters’ list.
Robindro also stated that  the matter had been conveyed to the Centre.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Y Khemchand stated that a "regular census" will be conducted according to rules, Shanta pointed out.
"The public is being misled by these contradictory statements," Shanta Nahakpam remarked.
He also questioned the appointment of census enumerators for Henglep sub-division in haste while no such appointment has been made as yet for other sub-divisions.
Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip and Henglep MLA Letzamang are champions of Separate Administration and they have  a common intention to conduct the census exercise as soon as possible, he said.
There are 32-24 questions in the questionnaire prescribed  for the census exercise.
Shanta asked whether the IDPs who have been staying away from their homes and native villages will be able to give correct answers to questions related to their places of residence and houses.
The census questionnaire  does not say anything about how household and personnel data should be collected in places affected by conflict situations, he said.
No census operations were carried out in Gujarat during the riot of 2002.
Conducting census operations under the prevailing situation in Manipur will amount to granting Separate Administration as is being demanded by certain communities, he warned.
He demanded the Chief Minister to give a clarification on his assurance for proper and fair census either through the State Assembly or an all political party meeting or a meeting with CSOs.
On behalf of the 14 CSOs, Shanta urged the State Government to call an all-party meeting on the issue of census at the earliest.
He also urged the Government to understand the people’s pulse and do what is necessary to save the indigenous people.
If the Government shies away from this responsibility, the CSOs are prepared to launch different modes of intense agitation in order to protect Manipur, he added.
CLK president Pakpi, ACOAM-Lup  president Sanjit, IPSA president Bishe and IPAK president Ksh Somendro were also present at the press meet.