The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has reaffirmed its decision to enforce a 24-hour general strike from midnight on August 31 to midnight on September 1, demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census is conducted in Manipur.
The JFD organization Secretary Ratan said the strike would be enforced unless the State Government issues an official order confirming that the NRC will be updated before the Census.
Speaking at a press meet held at Citizens Club, Soibam Leikai, on Monday, JFD Organisation Secretary Longjam Ratankumar said the organisation had repeatedly urged the government to address the concerns raised by the people and update the NRC before proceeding with the Census.
He said the JFD and the people of Manipur had undertaken several agitations and submitted repeated appeals over the issue, but the government had so far failed to provide a clear and satisfactory response.
Ratankumar alleged that despite repeated protests and appeals, the government had not taken any concrete decision on the demand and had remained silent even after its meetings with leaders at the Centre.
He said the general strike would be enforced as announced if the government failed to issue an official order by Monday night confirming NRC updation before the Census.
The JFD clarified that emergency and essential services would remain exempted from the purview of the strike.
The organisation appealed to the people of Manipur to extend full cooperation to the general strike and continue supporting its demand for NRC updation before the Census.
Ratankumar also appealed to the public to cooperate with the JFD if the House Listing operation, scheduled to commence in the State from September 1, is carried out.
He urged all sections of society to oppose the Census until the NRC is updated and appealed to government employees not to participate in Census-related activities until the JFD’s demand is addressed.
The JFD reiterated that the Census should not be conducted in Manipur without first updating the NRC.