Manipur IDPs Stage Protest Against Census, Call for Resettlement and NRC Implementation
In a significant demonstration of discontent, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur, supported by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, organized a protest meeting on Friday. The gathering took place at the pre-fabricated relief camp located in Shajiwa, Imphal East, where displaced individuals voiced their strong opposition to the government's initiative to conduct a census in the state.
IDPs Question Census Feasibility Amid Ongoing Displacement
The protest highlighted the plight of thousands who continue to reside in relief camps due to ongoing conflict, raising serious concerns about the timing and practicality of census operations. Jeetendra Ningomba, the convener of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, articulated these worries during the meeting.
"How can census operations be effectively carried out when numerous homes have been destroyed and thousands of people are still suffering in relief camps?" Ningomba questioned, emphasizing the dire situation faced by many residents. He pointed out that the destruction of houses and the displacement of communities make accurate data collection nearly impossible under current conditions.
Apprehensions Over Illegal Immigrants and Call for NRC
Beyond the immediate concerns of displacement, Ningomba also brought attention to broader issues of immigration in the state. He expressed apprehensions regarding the presence of illegal immigrants and stressed the need for stringent measures to address this challenge.
"To ensure a fair and accurate census, it is imperative that we first implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to detect and identify illegal immigrants," Ningomba asserted. This call underscores the demand for a systematic approach to citizenship verification before any population count, aiming to maintain the integrity of demographic data.
IDPs Clarify Stance: Not Against Census, But Timing Is Crucial
Khoirom Dharmen, an IDP from Ekou in Imphal East, provided a clear perspective on the protesters' stance. He clarified that the IDPs are not fundamentally opposed to the census itself but are deeply concerned about its timing and execution.
"We are not against the census, but such an exercise should not be conducted before we are resettled to our original places," Dharmen stated. This sentiment reflects the primary demand for resettlement as a prerequisite for any census activity, ensuring that displaced individuals can participate from their homes rather than temporary camps.
Key Demands and Future Implications
The protest meeting culminated in a set of clear demands from the IDPs and supporting organizations:
- Immediate resettlement of all internally displaced persons to their original locations before any census operations begin.
- Implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address concerns over illegal immigration and ensure accurate population data.
- A halt to government efforts to push for a census until these conditions are met, to avoid further marginalization of displaced communities.
This protest underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur, where conflict has led to widespread displacement. The IDPs' demands highlight the need for a compassionate and logical approach to governance, prioritizing the welfare and rights of affected citizens over administrative exercises. As the situation develops, the government's response to these calls will be crucial in shaping the state's path toward recovery and stability.
