Manipur BJP seeks NRC before census amid growing protests

Imphal: BJP Manipur Pradesh has urged the Centre to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) ahead of the census operations in the state.BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro shared this while responding to media queries on the sidelines of a programme in Imphal on Tuesday. He said the party’s committee held a meeting earlier in the day and conveyed its concerns to central leaders.The development comes amid growing protests demanding deferment of the census exercise in Manipur, which is scheduled to begin nationwide from April.The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has demanded the implementation of NRC or a similar mechanism to detect and identify illegal immigrants before enumeration.

It has also argued that conducting the census is not feasible given the current law and order situation and the presence of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps.On Tuesday, the JFD cautioned of intensifying protests if the govt failed to consider its demands, while a joint meeting of civil society organisations (CSOs) is scheduled for Thursday to decide the next course of action. The United Naga Council (UNC) had also recently written to CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh seeking deferment of the census.

Meanwhile, MLA Robindro expressed deep concern over the recent firing incidents in Ukhrul district.“We are deeply concerned about the recent incidents in Ukhrul. The CM is working tirelessly to bring peace, reconciliation, and stability to the state. At this crucial time, we appeal to all people to remain calm, stay united, and uphold the spirit of peace and harmony,” he said.At least two persons sustained bullet injuries when armed miscreants, suspected to be from the Kuki community, fired at Sharkaphung village on Tuesday morning.

The victims, identified as Rinyui Ramror (41) and Raichan Lungleng (24), were reportedly shot inside the pastor’s quarters.A woman was also injured in a firing at Mongkot Chepu village on Monday, which the Kuki CSO working committee, Ukhrul alleged was carried out by Tangkhul armed volunteers.Robindro added that CM Yumnam Khemchand recently met members of the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati in a sincere effort to bridge the trust deficit that has persisted for the past three years.“It is essential that we break this cycle of misunderstanding and rebuild the bonds of coexistence and mutual respect among communities at any cost,” he said.The Federation of Civil Society Organisations, Manipur, appreciated the CM’s initiative. “This demonstrates a strong commitment to restoring peace, fostering trust between communities, and paving the way for inclusive dialogue. It is hoped that such efforts will accelerate the return of normalcy and strengthen unity among all sections of society,” FOCS said in a statement.It also expressed hope that the next round of talks would be convened soon and graciously hosted in Imphal as a gesture of goodwill and collective commitment to peace.