Calls for NRC prior to census at Nambol

Calls for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) prior to the Census dominated a large peace rally held at Nambol on Sunday to mark the third anniversary of the Manipur crisis that began on May 3, 2023.
Thousands of people participated in the rally organised by the United Protection Committee (UPC), a collective body of over 220 clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi groups from several assembly constituencies. The procession began from Sabal Leikai Community Hall in Nambol and proceeded up to Kodongpokpi Lamkhai before returning to the starting point.
Participants from Oinam, Nambol, Konthoujam, Wangoi and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Assembly Constituencies joined the rally, raising slogans such as “We want justice” and calling for unity among civil society groups and protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Along with the demand for NRC implementation before the Census, the demonstrators called for deportation of alleged illegal immigrants, time-bound rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and justice in connection with incidents reported at T.M. Kasom village and Tronglaobi. Concerns were also raised over the handling of the ongoing crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, UPC Convenor Thokchom Lamjingba stated that the rally aimed to highlight the continued suffering of the people and press for accountability. He said ensuring protection of lives and property and restoring law and order remained the primary responsibility of the government.
He further stated that the mobilisation was intended to strengthen collective public voices and urged greater unity among civil society organisations. He cautioned that continued inaction in resolving the crisis could lead to stronger public responses.