14 CSOs reiterate demand for updating of 1951 NRC

The 14 CSOs Kangleipak has renewed its demand for updating the 1951 National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, stating that the exercise is necessary to identify genuine citizens of the state and address concerns over demographic imbalance.
In a statement, the CSOs said they have been conducting awareness campaigns for several years on the issue of demographic imbalance in Kangleipak (Manipur) and have consistently urged the authorities to carry out Census operations only after updating the 1951 NRC prepared after India’s independence.
The Joint Committee Opposing Delimitation Exercise in Manipur (Kangleipak), a collective body of 14 civil society organisations, stated that memorandums have been submitted to the Registrar General of India (RGI), Census authorities, the Union Home Ministry and other concerned authorities demanding NRC updation before the Census exercise.
The committee further stated that on March 5 this year, it submitted a memorandum to Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam through a retired IAS officer, urging initiation of the Census process along with updating of the NRC. Similar memorandums were also submitted to the Rajya Sabha MP, MLAs and various organisations.
The CSOs alleged that certain individuals associated with the office of the Inner Manipur MP attempted to intimidate the Convener of the 14 CSOs for raising the issue.
Referring to a recent statement reportedly made by Bimol Akoijam regarding people who came during the reign of Gambhir Singh, the CSOs said the remark had created confusion and misunderstanding among the public. The organisations clarified that groups associated with the movement for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) since 1996 have never termed communities presently residing in the state as “foreigners.”
The CSOs maintained that their demand is specifically focused on updating the 1951 NRC and not targeted against any particular community. They stated that there is no hidden agenda behind the demand and that the objective is to ensure proper identification of legitimate citizens.
The organisations also questioned contradictory statements surrounding the existence of the 1951 NRC, referring to RTI replies stating “No Maintained” and “No Aware,” while some political leaders have publicly claimed that the NRC records do exist.
The 14 CSOs asserted that clarity and transparency are needed on the issue and cautioned against creating confusion and divisions among the people.