BJP Manipur Pradesh Calls for Electoral Roll Revision and NRC Before Census
Imphal: The BJP Manipur Pradesh has formally urged the Central Government to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) ahead of the upcoming census operations in the state. This demand was articulated by BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro during a media interaction on the sidelines of a programme in Imphal on Tuesday.
Growing Protests and Demands for Census Deferment
The development unfolds against a backdrop of escalating protests across Manipur, where various groups are demanding the deferment of the census exercise, scheduled to commence nationwide from April. The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has been particularly vocal, insisting on the implementation of NRC or a similar mechanism to identify illegal immigrants before enumeration begins.
JFD has argued that conducting the census is currently unfeasible due to the prevailing law and order situation and the presence of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps. On Tuesday, the organization issued a caution, threatening to intensify protests if the government fails to address its demands. A joint meeting of civil society organizations (CSOs) is slated for Thursday to deliberate on the next course of action.
Adding to the chorus, the United Naga Council (UNC) recently wrote to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, seeking a postponement of the census. MLA Robindro confirmed that the BJP's state committee held a meeting earlier on Tuesday and conveyed these pressing concerns to central leaders.
Security Concerns and Recent Firing Incidents
MLA Robindro also expressed profound concern over recent firing incidents in Ukhrul district, which have exacerbated tensions. "We are deeply concerned about the recent incidents in Ukhrul. The CM is working tirelessly to bring peace, reconciliation, and stability to the state. At this crucial time, we appeal to all people to remain calm, stay united, and uphold the spirit of peace and harmony," he stated.
In a disturbing event on Tuesday morning, armed miscreants, suspected to be from the Kuki community, fired at Sharkaphung village, resulting in bullet injuries to at least two individuals. The victims have been identified as Rinyui Ramror (41) and Raichan Lungleng (24), who were reportedly shot inside the pastor's quarters. Additionally, a woman was injured in a separate firing at Mongkot Chepu village on Monday, an incident that the Kuki CSO working committee in Ukhrul alleges was carried out by Tangkhul armed volunteers.
Efforts Towards Peace and Reconciliation
In a bid to mitigate the ongoing conflict, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand recently met with members of the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati. This meeting was described as a sincere effort to bridge the trust deficit that has persisted for the past three years. "It is essential that we break this cycle of misunderstanding and rebuild the bonds of coexistence and mutual respect among communities at any cost," Robindro emphasized.
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations, Manipur (FOCS), has appreciated the Chief Minister's initiative. In a statement, FOCS remarked, "This demonstrates a strong commitment to restoring peace, fostering trust between communities, and paving the way for inclusive dialogue. It is hoped that such efforts will accelerate the return of normalcy and strengthen unity among all sections of society." The federation also expressed hope that subsequent talks would be convened soon and graciously hosted in Imphal as a gesture of goodwill and collective commitment to peace.
