Manipur govt 'serious' about NRC before census, appeals to protesters for time

The Manipur government on Saturday said it is serious about the demand for the National Register of Citizens to be carried out before the census exercise in the state.

The statement comes amid protests led by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, which has been pressing the BJP government to take up the matter with the Centre.

The organisation has also warned that it would intensify its agitation if the demand was not met by September 30. The issue has gained prominence at a time when Manipur has already seen widespread unrest over the NRC demand.

Addressing a press conference, Manipur government spokesperson Sapam Ranjan said, "The authorities are very sincere and serious about the demand that NRC be conducted before the census exercise."

Ranjan, who is also a BJP MLA, said the government is "sincerely trying" its best to resolve the issue and is "leaving no stone unturned so that the wishes of the people of Manipur are fulfilled".

He also appealed to the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation to cooperate with the government. "I would like to request the JFD to work together for the future of the people and for all sections of the society. We are in the same boat," he said.

Following widespread protests over the NRC demand by Meitei and Naga groups, the Centre had earlier deferred the 2027 Census in Manipur.

The state has also been witnessing ethnic conflict since May 2023 between the valley-based Meitei and the hill-based Kuki communities.

The ethnic strife has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been left homeless. Against this backdrop, the Manipur government has reiterated that it is serious about the demand to conduct the NRC before the census exercise.