1 week ago
Congress says Centre can resolve Manipur issues within months
Congress leader O Ibobi Singh said the central government could solve Manipur’s problems quickly if it seriously committed to doing so.
One issue is whether the National Register of Citizens, or NRC, should be updated before the next Census.
Civil society groups from Manipur travelled to New Delhi to discuss this demand with national leaders.
They said they wanted to meet Union ministers and BJP leaders.
Students in Imphal also protested for the NRC to come before the Census.
They said the Census should wait until people displaced by violence can return home.
Singh said many homes were destroyed during the conflict.
He also asked how officials would count about 60,000 displaced people living in relief camps.
The violence between Meitei and Kuki communities has killed more than 260 people since May 2023.
O Ibobi Singh said the Centre could resolve Manipur issues, including NRC implementation, within two to three months if determined.
Singh argued that the NRC should be updated before Census 2027 and said a constitutional amendment could be considered if needed.
He questioned how house-listing and population counting could proceed while homes remain destroyed and about 60,000 people live in relief camps.
Representatives of 10 civil society organisations travelled to New Delhi to seek NRC updation before the Census in Manipur.
Students protesting in Imphal raised the slogan “No NRC, No Census” and demanded that displaced people return home before the Census.
- Who
- Manipur Congress chief O Ibobi Singh, civil society organisations, and protesting students.
- What
- They are demanding that the National Register of Citizens be updated before Census 2027 in Manipur.
- Where
- Imphal, Manipur, with civil society representatives travelling to New Delhi.
- When
- The statements and demonstrations took place on August 20; the violence mentioned began in May 2023.
- Why
- Supporters say the NRC should precede the Census and that house-listing and population counting are difficult while homes are destroyed and thousands remain displaced.
Key facts
- Main demand
- Update the National Register of Citizens before Census 2027 in Manipur.
- Congress position
- O Ibobi Singh said the Centre could resolve the NRC and other Manipur issues within two to three months if determined.
- Civil society delegation
- Representatives of 10 organisations, including Naga, Meitei and Muslim bodies, travelled to New Delhi.
- People in relief camps
- Singh referred to about 60,000 internally displaced persons living in relief camps.
- Student protest slogan
- Students raised “No NRC, No Census” at a rally in Thangmeiband, Imphal.
- Conflict toll
- More than 260 people have been killed and thousands made homeless since violence began in May 2023.
Quotes
O Ibobi Singh
Chief Minister of Manipur and Manipur Congress leader
“If the central government wants, the implementation of NRC in Manipur is not an issue… NRC should be updated first before Census is conducted. If required, the Constitution should be amended. If the Union government is determined and committed, be it NRC or any other issue, it is only a matter of two-three months to resolve it.”
theprint.in
“We are going to the national capital to petition central leaders on the people’s demand for NRC updation before the conduct of Census in the state, and we will try to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other key leaders to apprise them about the concerns of the people.”
theprint.in
Sources
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