The Meitei (Meetei) Tribe Union (MMTU) has criticised the Centre for its alleged lack of clarity and concrete action on the issue of illegal immigration in Manipur, asserting that merely conducting house listing and census exercises cannot address the State’s longstanding demographic concerns.
In a statement signed by its Secretary (Organisation), Takhellambam Parijat Meitei, the MMTU said the issue of illegal immigration has remained a major concern in Manipur for decades and has been repeatedly raised in public forums and the State Legislative Assembly.
The Union alleged that successive governments have failed to take decisive action despite Assembly resolutions on the matter. It cautioned that continued inaction could have serious demographic and political consequences for the indigenous population.
The MMTU also alleged that the issue has been exploited for vote-bank politics by sections of politicians and urged legislators to approach the matter beyond electoral considerations.
On the demand for an NRC in Manipur, the organisation argued that a fresh Act of Parliament is not required, pointing to the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, as the existing legal framework for such an exercise.
Referring to Assam, the MMTU said the NRC there was conducted under specific guidelines and rules, with 1971 used as the qualifying year. It maintained that Manipur’s NRC should take into account the State’s own historical circumstances and documentary records rather than simply replicating the Assam model.
The organisation claimed that Manipur possesses substantial historical records, including electoral rolls and legacy documents, which could assist in determining citizenship and ancestral links.
The MMTU also expressed concern over the emergence of new settlements and alleged changes in voter lists in certain areas, calling for proper verification.
