The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) on Sunday organised a public discussion on Census and Delimitation at Pureiromba Leikai, Konung Mamang, under Imphal East district, as part of its ongoing campaign.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Pureiromba Leikai Women Development Association and the Pureiromba Youth Club. Jeetendra Ningomba, Convenor of JFD, Hijam Ibeni, President of the Pureiromba Leikai Women Development Association, Wairokpam Ningthem, President of the Pureiromba Youth Club, and Waikhom Sudan, Vice-President of the Pureiromba Youth Club, attended the event as dais members.
During the session, Sunil Karam, Finance Secretary of JFD, and Kangjam Maharabi, Secretary of IPR, JFD, spoke as resource persons and elaborated on issues relating to the proposed Census and Delimitation process. Local elders, youths and women of the leikai actively participated in the discussion. Representatives of local clubs and Meira Paibis also conveyed their support and assured cooperation in JFD’s initiatives.
Speakers at the meeting stated that if the Government proceeds with conducting the Census without addressing public concerns and without proper groundwork, then after the conclusion of Yaoshang, a joint meeting of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) would be convened to decide on the course of action and inform the public accordingly.
They maintained that following the directives from the Centre by the state government without considering the concerns and interests of the people would not be appropriate. Observing that Manipur is presently passing through a sensitive phase, they urged both the Central Government and the State Government to deliberate carefully.