A group of 14 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), along with community leaders, held a press meet at the Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) office today and highlighted the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the deferment of the Census and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur.
Speaking at the press meet, 14 CSOs convenor Shanta Nahakpam said the hearing before the Manipur High Court was the third hearing in connection with two writ petitions and two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed over the deferment of the Census and implementation of the NRC in the State.
Shanta said that when the hearing commenced, the government advocate informed the court that he had received directions from the Central Government regarding the Census. He said the advocate conveyed that the government would inform the court about the deferment of the Census and that a fresh notification would be issued in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.
He further said the government had decided to withhold the Census exercise for the time being.
Shanta also appealed to all MLAs to attend the Manipur Legislative Assembly session scheduled to begin tomorrow, saying the 14 CSOs expect members of both the ruling and Opposition parties to take up the issue.
He urged the MLAs to consider moving an adjournment motion and said that, as the following day is not Friday, members could also consider introducing a private member’s Bill.
Shanta also appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister to attend the Assembly session and participate in the discussion on the issues raised by the civil society organisations.
