Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has stated that the Manipur Government would address the concerns and demands raised by civil society organisations (CSOs) and the people strictly within the framework of the Constitution, while emphasising that any policy decisions on sensitive issues would be guided by constitutional provisions and informed public consultation.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day “Consultative Meeting-cum-Seminar on the Demographic Profile of Manipur”, organised by the Home Department in collaboration with the Manipur State Population Commission at the Imperial Hall of Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.
The seminar brought together Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, legal experts, representatives of various civil society organisations, Ima Lup leaders, scholars and community representatives from different parts of the state to deliberate on issues relating to Manipur’s changing demographic profile.
In his inaugural address, Khemchand Singh acknowledged the growing public concern over demographic issues and reiterated that the government remained committed to protecting the interests of the people through constitutional means. He expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the seminar would provide a sound basis for formulating appropriate policies and legal measures to address the state’s demographic challenges.
The Chief Minister said the deliberations would generate valuable inputs for the government in dealing with complex and sensitive issues concerning Manipur’s demographic composition, while ensuring that every decision remained consistent with the Constitution and existing laws.
Addressing the gathering, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said the seminar had been convened to facilitate comprehensive discussions on several critical subjects, including the Population Census, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), citizenship-related issues and demographic changes affecting the state.
He said the recommendations submitted by participants would be examined carefully by the government and would serve as important inputs in pursuing Manipur’s concerns with the Central Government. He added that the state government would continue to advocate policies that reflect the aspirations and interests of the people of Manipur.
To institutionalise wider public participation, the Home Minister proposed the constitution of a committee comprising representatives of civil society organisations to strengthen consultation, coordination and consensus-building on matters relating to the state’s demographic future.
The seminar will continue till tomorrow with technical sessions involving legal experts, academicians and representatives of various organisations, whose recommendations are likely to form the basis for future policy deliberations on demographic and citizenship-related issues in the state.
