The Manipur government will continue pursuing the Centre for an early commencement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in the state, government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam said today, asserting that the state government has already taken all steps within its jurisdiction.
Speaking to the media at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Radheshyam said the NRC exercise was a complex process involving responsibilities at both the state and central levels. While certain steps could be initiated by the state government, the final decision on the exercise rested with the Centre, he said.
He said the state government had already taken up the matter in the State Assembly and adopted a resolution on the issue. Following discussions within the government, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam is currently in New Delhi along with some MLAs and is seeking an appointment with the Union Home Minister.
Radheshyam maintained that the state government’s efforts should not be viewed as having ended with the Assembly resolution. He said the government would continue to press and pursue the Centre to ensure that the NRC exercise is taken up at the earliest.
“The final call will have to be taken by the central leadership,” he said, while reiterating that the state government would continue to pursue the matter through all available channels.
He appealed to the public to cooperate with the government and maintain peace while the issue is being pursued.
Responding to concerns over the government’s commitment, Radheshyam said the Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs are “sons of the soil” and are equally concerned about the future of Manipur.
He appealed to the people to “give peace a chance” and allow the government to continue its efforts without further escalation.
Government spokesperson and MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan was also present during the media briefing.