Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba has reiterated the demand for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur with 1951 as the base year before the conduct of the Census.
Addressing a public meeting at New Checkon Community Hall, Ningomba said the Census should not be conducted until the NRC is updated. He urged the State Government to approach the Government of India by September 10 and press for the demand.
The meeting was jointly organised by the Senior Citizen Society, New Checkon Meira Paibi and New Checkon Leikai Singlup to deliberate on the NRC and Census issue.
Ningomba appealed to the people to continue pressing for a 1951-based NRC, questioning whether adequate measures were being taken to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population amid what he described as changing demographic conditions.
He expressed concern over unresolved issues relating to the influx of people into the State and urged the government to identify and address such concerns without delay.
Ningomba also appealed to officials involved in Census-related activities to remain vigilant and take into account the concerns raised by the people. He warned that the JFD and members of the public could intensify their agitation if the Census is conducted without addressing their demands.
Senior Citizen Society member Longjam Nilamani, who also addressed the gathering, voiced concern over the changing demographic situation in Manipur.
Nilamani alleged that the influx of outsiders was creating growing challenges for communities that had been residing in villages for generations. He said the increasing population was putting additional pressure on land and resources and urged the State Government to take timely measures to address demographic concerns and protect the interests of the indigenous population.