Bruce Pebam calls for NRC update, safeguarding of Manipur’s integrity at Karbi Students Conference

A delegation led by Bruce Pebam, President of the All Manipur Students’ Union Headquarters, attended the 53rd Annual General Conference of the Karbi Students’ Association held at Jirikindeng yesterday, where he delivered a pointed address focusing on Manipur’s current socio-political situation and regional concerns.
According to a statement issued by Yumnam Clinton Mangang, Publicity and Information Secretary of AMSU Headquarters, Bruce Pebam attended the Open Students’ Session of the conference as Guest of Honour. The conference brought together student leaders from across the Northeast, including Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam. AMSU was also represented by Organisation Secretary Thingbaijam Sanachand, HRD Secretary Mayanglambam Kumar, and former Assistant Finance Secretary Alen Naorem.
The conference deliberated on key issues under the themes “Immediate implementation of Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution” and “Autonomy and Land Rights: Rethinking Land Policy in Sixth Scheduled Areas.”
In his address, Bruce Pebam placed strong focus on what he described as the continuing marginalisation of the people of Manipur under existing policies of the Government of India.
He revisited the historical merger of Manipur into the Indian Union in 1949, linking it to the persistent socio-political challenges faced by the state over decades.
Raising the issue of illegal immigration, he warned of its growing impact in both Assam and Manipur, and called for immediate corrective measures. He urged the authorities to expedite the updating of the National Register of Citizens in Manipur, while also stressing that the forthcoming census and delimitation processes must be conducted with transparency and accuracy.
He further recalled AMSU’s earlier interventions during the Foreigners’ issues of 1980 and 1994, asserting that the organisation had consistently stood with the people on matters affecting demographic and political stability.
Referring to the period of President’s Rule in Manipur and the subsequent installation of a popular government, Bruce Pebam informed the gathering about the ongoing peace process in the state. He maintained that despite prolonged unrest, the territorial integrity, historical identity, and political framework of Manipur remain non-negotiable.
Concluding his address, he called for greater coordination among student bodies across the Northeast, advocating the formation of a common platform and shared agenda to build a more inclusive and cohesive student movement in the region.