Manipur CM appeals against NRC-related shutdown

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed support for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, but firmly stated that shutdowns and blockades were not effective means to achieve this goal. The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, a coalition of 14 civil society organizations, had threatened a 24-hour shutdown starting midnight on August 31 if the Central government did not postpone the Census exercise and initiate the NRC process in Manipur.

The group also announced that its subsequent phase of protests would coincide with the start of the Manipur Assembly session on September 2. The Meitei and Naga communities sought to update the NRC before the Census to eliminate "illegal immigrants," primarily individuals from Myanmar. Conversely, the Kuki-Zo groups opposed the NRC, contending that using 1951 as the base year would be unjust to the hill tribes.

Chief Minister Singh reiterated his commitment to addressing the people's aspirations in Manipur, emphasizing that calling for a shutdown would not help and would instead cause additional hardship. He addressed the Campaign and others, urging them to engage in alternative forms of democratic protest and cautioned that anyone breaking the law or attempting to cause disorder would face severe consequences.

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam affirmed that Manipur was prepared to carry out the NRC exercise in compliance with constitutional and legal procedures.