2 weeks ago
Manipur Valley Strike Continues as Governor Heads to Delhi
A student-backed group called the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation held a 48-hour strike in Manipur.
The group wants the National Register of Citizens, or NRC, to be implemented or updated before the census.
Shops, schools, businesses and public transport closed in five valley districts.
Some protesters blocked roads in parts of Imphal with bamboo and stones.
A few private vehicles still moved, while the hill districts were not affected.
The state government says it supports the NRC request.
However, the chief minister said bandhs and blockades hurt daily wage earners and students.
The governor went to New Delhi while people speculated that the NRC issue might be discussed with the Union home minister.
Markets, schools, businesses and public transport remained largely closed across five Manipur valley districts on the strike’s second day.
Protesters blocked roads in Imphal East and Imphal West with bamboo poles and stone boulders, displaying “No NRC No Census” posters.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation is demanding implementation or updating of the National Register of Citizens before Census 2027 activities.
Governor Ajay K. Bhalla traveled to New Delhi amid speculation that he could discuss the NRC demand with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said the government supports the NRC demand but urged protesters to avoid bandhs and blockades.
- Who
- The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, students and other strike supporters called the protest; the Manipur government, Governor Ajay K. Bhalla and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were connected to the wider developments.
- What
- A 48-hour strike disrupted life in Manipur over demands for implementation or updating of the National Register of Citizens before census activities.
- Where
- The disruption affected Manipur’s valley districts, especially Imphal East and Imphal West; the hill districts, including Churachandpur, were reportedly unaffected. Governor Ajay K. Bhalla traveled to New Delhi.
- When
- The second day of the strike was Wednesday, August 19. Census 2027 self-enumeration was scheduled to begin August 17, with house-listing scheduled for September 1–30.
- Why
- Protesters want the NRC to precede the census, citing demographic concerns and the stated aim of identifying illegal immigrants.
NRC Demand Supporters
Government Response
NRC before census
NRC Demand Supporters
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, students and supporters demand that the National Register of Citizens be implemented or updated before census activities in Manipur.
Government Response
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said the government supports the NRC demand, and the Manipur Assembly has previously passed a resolution and conveyed the issue to the Centre.
Protest methods
NRC Demand Supporters
Strike supporters used a shutdown, demonstrations, road blockades and “No NRC No Census” posters to press their demand.
Government Response
Y. Khemchand Singh urged protesters to use another form of agitation, saying bandhs and blockades affect daily wage earners and students.
Effect on public life
NRC Demand Supporters
The strike closed markets, educational institutions, businesses and public transport in five valley districts; reports from the first day also mentioned vandalism and injuries during enforcement or clashes in some places.
Government Response
The government’s stated concern is the effect of disruption on workers and students. The hill districts were not affected, and Wednesday’s enforcement was described as peaceful in many areas.
Key facts
- Strike duration
- 48 hours
- Strike organiser
- Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation
- Affected districts
- Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur
- Main demand
- Implementation or updating of the National Register of Citizens before census activities
- Road disruptions
- Bamboo poles and stone boulders blocked roads in parts of Imphal East and Imphal West
- Census schedule
- Self-enumeration was scheduled for August 17; house-listing was scheduled for September 1–30
- Government position
- Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said the government supports the NRC demand but urged protesters to avoid bandhs and blockades
Quotes
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh
Chief Minister of Manipur
“The government has been supporting the NRC demand. The assembly too has previously taken a resolution on the issue and conveyed to the Centre. I request all to take another form of agitation instead of resorting to bandhs and blockades as these affect daily wage earners and students.”
theprint.in
Sources
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