Shanjoy Ahanthem calls for careful handling of Census, NRC, SIR and Delimitation

Shanjoy Ahanthem has cautioned that delaying or handling issues related to the Census, NRC, SIR and Delimitation through appeasement politics could lead to serious consequences in the future.
Shanjoy Ahanthem said the Census remains one of the most crucial issues facing Manipur and appreciated those who have raised the matter in the Assembly. He stated that the Census should be conducted only after implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state so that illegal immigrants can be properly identified and addressed in accordance with the law.
Referring to a recent protest under the slogan “No NRC, No Census,” he expressed concern over the reported use of tear gas by police against demonstrators who were participating in what he described as a democratic movement.
Shanjoy Ahanthem remarked that the Census is not merely an administrative exercise of counting houses and villages but a matter closely linked to the future and sentiments of the people. He said the issue concerns the entire population and should therefore be handled with seriousness.
He also noted that during the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Assembly should adopt a clear resolution urging the Union Government to address the issue, particularly as the first phase of the Census, including house listing and village survey, is expected to begin from April.
Stating that matters such as the Census, NRC, SIR and Delimitation require careful understanding, Shanjoy Ahanthem warned that if they are handled merely as appeasement measures, it could create a major crisis in the future.