Social worker Shanjoy Ahanthem has urged the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly to adopt resolutions on updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and enacting a stringent anti-terrorism law during its forthcoming sitting, which he described as likely to be the Assembly’s last.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ahanthem said the Monsoon Session, usually held in August, could be the final sitting of the present Assembly unless an emergency or special session is convened. He said the House should utilise the opportunity to pass resolutions on issues critical to the future of Manipur.
He urged the Assembly to unanimously resolve that the nationwide Census should not be conducted in Manipur until the Union Government completes the NRC update through a Gazette notification. Conducting the Census without updating the NRC, he claimed, could adversely affect the political, economic, cultural and identity rights of the state’s indigenous communities.
Referring to the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, Ahanthem alleged that several Kuki armed groups operating under the pact have been involved in killings, violence, narco-terrorism and other serious crimes. He called for a dedicated Manipur Anti-Terrorism Law and the establishment of Special Courts for speedy trials and stringent punishment, citing similar laws enacted in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
He further said the BJP-led government should move beyond the “Act East Policy” and take stronger measures to safeguard the state’s security.
Ahanthem also expressed concern over the influx of illegal immigrants into Manipur and urged the Assembly to press the State Government to effectively implement the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 for their identification and deportation. He also appealed to the Union Government to intensify efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Manipur and other northeastern states to protect the interests of the indigenous people.