The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, has reiterated its support for the Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) movement and demanded that the Census and delimitation exercises in the state be deferred until completion of a “credible, transparent and verifiable” National Register of Citizens (NRC), with 1951 as the base year.
In a press statement, UMPC Secretary, Information, Public Relations (IPR), Md. Jiaul Haque, said population enumeration and delimitation should not be undertaken before citizenship verification is completed, citing concerns over demographic changes and their potential impact on Manipur’s identity, land, resources and political representation.
The committee urged the governments of India and Manipur to establish a verified citizenship database through a lawful and transparent NRC process and conduct delimitation only thereafter, arguing that political representation should not be determined on the basis of unverified or disputed demographic figures.
The UMPC also called for a review of newly recognised, disputed or unverified villages and settlements in accordance with law and due process.
Clarifying its position, the committee said its demand was not directed against any genuine citizen or community, adding that every bona fide citizen should be protected and given a fair opportunity to establish citizenship. It said concerns over alleged illegal immigration and demographic changes should likewise be addressed through a lawful and verifiable process.
The UMPC said it remained an active and integral part of the JFD movement and shared its principles and objectives.