2 days ago
Manipur Strike Demands NRC Update Before Census Activities Resume
A group called the Joint Democratic Front wants Manipur to update the National Register of Citizens before census work continues.
It has called a one-day shutdown across the state.
The shutdown begins at midnight.
Protesters also want internally displaced people to be resettled.
Demonstrations were held in 18 places across the valley.
One torch rally in Kakching became violent after police stopped protesters.
Police used tear gas, and at least seven people were briefly detained.
The chief minister has asked people not to hold shutdowns or blockades.
The group wants the state Assembly to make a decision when it meets on September 2.
The Joint Democratic Front called a 24-hour general strike across Manipur beginning at midnight.
The JDF wants census-related activities suspended until the National Register of Citizens is updated.
Protests occurred at 18 valley locations, including a Kakching torch rally that turned violent.
Police used tear gas during the Kakching confrontation, and at least seven people were briefly detained.
The agitation comes before the Manipur Assembly session scheduled to begin on September 2.
- Who
- The Joint Democratic Front, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, protesters, and Manipur police are involved.
- What
- The JDF called a 24-hour general strike and is demanding suspension of census-related activities until the National Register of Citizens is updated.
- Where
- The strike is statewide in Manipur, while protests were held at 18 locations across the valley, including Kakching.
- When
- The strike begins at midnight; protests took place on Sunday, and the Assembly session is scheduled to begin on September 2.
- Why
- The JDF wants a roadmap for NRC updation and the resettlement of internally displaced persons before census activities proceed.
JDF and Protesters
State Government
Census and NRC sequencing
JDF and Protesters
The JDF wants all census-related workshops and official activities suspended until NRC updation begins through a clear roadmap.
State Government
The chief minister has said the Manipur and Union governments are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Manipur's people, while the government has not announced the JDF's requested suspension in the article.
Method of protest
JDF and Protesters
The JDF is intensifying pressure through a statewide general strike and further protests ahead of the Assembly session.
State Government
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh urged people to avoid bandhs and blockades, warning they could cause hardship and unwanted violence, and encouraged other democratic forms of agitation.
Government action
JDF and Protesters
The JDF expects a concrete decision from the Assembly and says its agitation will continue if its demands are not addressed.
State Government
The chief minister said stringent action would be taken against agitators who violate the law or try to create a chaotic situation.
Key facts
- Organiser
- Joint Democratic Front (JDF)
- Strike duration
- 24 hours
- Strike start
- Midnight
- Protest locations
- 18 locations across Manipur's valley
- Assembly session
- Scheduled to begin on September 2
- Kakching detentions
- At least seven people, including four women, were briefly detained
- Chief minister's position
- Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed against bandhs and blockades while supporting democratic agitation
Quotes
Jeetendra Ningombam
Convenor of the Joint Democratic Front in Manipur
“As the Chief Minister is already in Delhi, and he himself is also in favour of NRC updating, as he publicly declared, he should take the lead, and he should [take it up] with the BJP government at the Centre.”
NDTV
“The general strike will start from today midnight to press our demand ahead of the Assembly session, which is expected to be convened from the day after tomorrow, that is, September 2.”
NDTV
Sources
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