Imphal: The Manipur government on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state and said a team of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will visit New Delhi shortly to press the issue with the Union government.
Assembly resolutions and ongoing pursuit
State government spokesperson Nityaipat Chuthek and BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh said the government remains committed to addressing what it described as demographic changes, demographic imbalance and illegal migration in Manipur. Singh recalled that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had adopted a resolution on 5 August 2022 urging NRC updation, and that this resolution was reaffirmed by the Assembly on 1 March 2024.
Singh said the matter has been pursued through correspondence with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and that the forthcoming visit to New Delhi by MLAs is intended to seek guidance and renewed action from the Central government. He stressed the need for the issue to be addressed collectively "irrespective of political party, community or other differences," describing it as one that concerns the future of the state and its people.
Demand to complete NRC before Census 2027
The state leaders reiterated that civil society groups and sections of the public have been demanding the NRC be updated before the Census 2027. They said the government will continue to pursue the matter with the Centre and endeavour to ensure the demand is considered.
Public protests and calls for peaceful expression
Responding to ongoing bandh and protests in parts of the state, Singh acknowledged that peaceful protest is a democratic right but appealed to demonstrators to express their grievances in a non-violent and democratic manner so as not to inconvenience the public, students or those whose livelihoods are affected by disruptions.
- Who is acting: A team of Manipur MLAs to visit New Delhi to press for NRC updation.
- Primary asks: Initiation of NRC updation in Manipur and its completion prior to Census 2027.
- Official stance: State government says it has pursued the matter with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and will continue to press the Centre.
Key dates recorded in government statements
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 August 2022 | Manipur Assembly passed a resolution urging NRC updation. |
| 1 March 2024 | Assembly reaffirmed the 2022 resolution. |
| 2027 | Census year the state says NRC should be updated before. |
Context and local implications
The Manipur government has framed the NRC demand around concerns over demographic changes and what it terms demographic imbalance and illegal migration. While the state leaders have not detailed a specific timeline for the proposed delegation's meetings in New Delhi, they indicated the visit will seek guidance from the Central government and press for formal initiation of the NRC process.
If the Centre agrees to begin updation, the exercise would involve significant administrative mobilisation and inter-agency coordination, and could have political and social implications in a state that has experienced sensitive inter-community tensions in recent years. The state’s call for an updated register before the national Census underlines the urgency the Manipur government attaches to the matter.
What officials say and next steps
Both the state spokesperson and the BJP MLA emphasised the government’s intention to pursue the demand with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. They also urged that the issue be handled collectively across party and community lines. No dates were announced for the MLAs’ visit or for expected reactions from the Central government.
Meanwhile, authorities and civic leaders in affected districts face the task of balancing the constitutional right to protest with maintaining public order and ensuring essential services and education are not disrupted during demonstrations.
Further developments will hinge on the outcome of the MLA delegation’s meetings in New Delhi and any formal response or directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
