The 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) as part of the ongoing struggle for updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) ahead of the Census continued to take a turn for the worse with day two seeing protestors enforcing road blocks and stopping vehicular movements in an intensified way.
Amidst increased political pressure for the NRC, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and several BJP lawmakers publicly endorsed their support for the NRC while a delegation of NDA lawmakers have gone to New Delhi for seeking intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Roads were blocked, tyres and effigies were burnt, with normal movements taking a severe hit. Medical services, press, water, and electricity were excluded from being put under the ban.
In Khurai in Imphal East and Lamlong, effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam were burned in protest against the failure of the government to take any steps towards updating of the NRC. The protestors went chanting slogans such as “no NRC, no census”. They also said that they have been left with no other choice after the government’s failure in this regard.
JFD boycotts State, Central government offices from tomorrow
The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) has intensified its demand for updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), announcing a boycott of government offices under the State and Central Governments from tomorrow.
JFD Convenor Jitendra Ningomba made the announcement during an interaction with media at the WAL United Youths Club at Wangkhei today.
However, he clarified that the boycott would not cover essential sectors, including Health, Water Supply, Electricity and Education.
Convenor Jitendra Ningomba also appealed to the people to communicate the demand for NRC updation to their respective MLAs from tomorrow.
He further called for torch rallies at various places, particularly during the evening and night, urging people to participate in large numbers in support of the demand.
In Khangabok, JFD supporters, which included the locals and members of Khangabok Apunba Meira Paibi Lup blocked National Highway-102 in front of Khangabok Higher Secondary School, thereby disrupting vehicular movement along the route from Imphal to Moreh.
The protestors have maintained that the call for NRC is aimed at protecting the demographics, lands, and political interest of the indigenous people of the state. Conducting the Census without verifying the citizenship status of all citizens may have long-term implications on the state of Manipur, according to the protestors.
If we do not act now, our future will be at stake because of the large number of illegal immigrants. What we are doing today is not for our own good alone”, one of the protestors said.
The general strike has badly affected normal lives in the parts of valley, with the protestors allegedly preventing anyone from going past the road blocks, while allowing only people having anything to do with essential services through the blockades.
CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed to the JFD to call off the strike and use alternative means of agitation saying that it has badly affected different segments of the society, especially the daily wage earners. On the other hand, the government is saying that they support the NRC and steps have already been taken in this regard.
It would be noted that the contrast in the stand of the government has created a new political angle to the agitation. As far as the NRC is concerned, the Chief Minister and BJP lawmakers publicly support it whereas the government machinery is preparing for the Census.
The 48 hour general strike of the JFD is scheduled to go on until August 19. The supporters of the campaign have warned that the agitation will become worse if the demand is not answered by the government.
