Manipur Government Sends Delegation to Delhi Over NRC Demands

The Government of Manipur announced it will send a delegation of Members of the Legislative Assembly to New Delhi to urge the central government to implement and update the National Register of Citizens (NRC). This action follows a 48-hour general strike and widespread protests led by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), which demand the NRC be completed before the 2027 Census or any electoral delimitation exercises.

Protesters, primarily from Meitei groups, argue that an NRC is essential to identify undocumented migrants from Myanmar and prevent demographic imbalances. The agitation included road blockades in Imphal West and Thoubal, the burning of effigies of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, and the disruption of census training programs in Bishnupur. The JFD further called for a boycott of government institutions starting August 21, exempting schools and essential services.

While the state government supports the NRC demand and has passed assembly resolutions on the matter in 2022 and 2024, the move has intensified ethnic tensions. Kuki-Zo organizations reject the NRC narrative, accusing Meitei groups of attempting to label them as illegal immigrants. Former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh stated he has already apprised Union Home Minister Amit Shah of the ongoing strikes and agitations.