Home » Mob violence in CCpur : Is it a preplan attack to destroy census records to hamper NRC exercise?

Mob violence in CCpur : Is it a preplan attack to destroy census records to hamper NRC exercise?

by Rinku Khumukcham
0 comments 3 minutes read
Mob violence in CCpur : Is it a preplan attack to destroy census records to hamper NRC exercise?

Manipur government has imposed a five-day suspension of internet services in Churachandpur district following violent incidents sparked by actions taken against a policeman. On Friday morning, tension persisted in the district as the offices of the superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner were subjected to vandalism and arson. Media reports indicate that vehicles belonging to the CAPF were set ablaze by a mob, and the national flag at the SP office complex was pulled down. The violence erupted on Thursday night when a mob breached the government complex, setting vehicles on fire after the suspension of a head constable from the district police, prompted by a video showing him with gunmen. Security forces responded with tear gas shells and minimum lethal force to disperse the agitators and restore order.
According to locals, two person were killed and over 30 others injured in the clash. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) based in Churachandpur called for a district-wide shutdown on Friday to protest the killing. Protesters demanded the reinstatement of the suspended head constable, alleging unjust treatment.
The question arises: why target government offices, especially the District Collector’s office in Churachandpur? This is not the first instance of a state official being suspended; many have faced suspension from both communities in cases pertaining to the ongoing violence. However, attacks on government offices, particularly the DC office, have been uncommon. Upon closer examination, the matter appears far more sinister on closer examination. One possible motive behind the attack on the DC office could be to destroy the records stored there, particularly those related to population data.
In 2022, the Manipur Cabinet announced its decision to designate 1961 as the base year for determining the “Native” status, crucial for the effective implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state. Letpao Haokip, the Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister, informed reporters that during the cabinet meeting, the ILP and the base year were reviewed, and it was unanimously agreed that 1961 would serve as the base year for ILP implementation. Previously, in December 2019, the Centre had reintroduced the ILP amidst widespread agitation, and it became effective from January 1, 2020. However, numerous civil bodies and political parties had advocated for the adoption of 1951 as the base year.
Now, in response to public pressure to adopt 1951 as the base year, the Manipur government has reaffirmed 1961 as the cutoff year, stating that individuals who settled in the state after 1961 would face deportation. However, there is dissatisfaction among many members of the Kuki-Zo community regarding the agreed base year. Indeed, objections against the establishment of any base year are common, and there is resistance to the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Additionally, while the state government leans towards maintaining a National Registry of Citizens, the central government is advocating for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which notably excludes settlers from Myanmar. In this context, the arson of the DC office could be perceived as an attempt to destroy records, aligning with the aim of preventing the establishment of a base year and resisting NRC implementation.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

ABOUT US

Imphal Times is a daily English newspaper published in Imphal and is registered with Registrar of the Newspapers for India with Regd. No MANENG/2013/51092

FOLLOW US ON IG

©2023 – All Right Reserved. Designed and Hosted by eManipur!

Adblock Detected

Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website.