Fourteen civil society organisations (CSOs) in Manipur have announced plans to launch a statewide shutdown beginning at midnight on August 9 if the state government fails to organise a promised seminar on the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming Census process.
The warning was issued during a press conference in Imphal, where the CSOs stated that the government must hold the consultation by August 8. They said the detailed programme for the proposed shutdown would be announced on the evening of August 8 if no concrete action is taken.
According to the organisations, implementing the NRC before the Census is essential to ensure that only genuine Indian citizens are included in the population count. They pointed out that the house-listing phase of the Census is scheduled to begin on August 17, making the issue increasingly urgent.
The CSOs said they have been actively campaigning for the NRC, including organising public rallies, adopting resolutions, and submitting memoranda to the Manipur government, the Governor, the Registrar General of India, and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. They have consistently urged authorities to prioritise the NRC before conducting the Census.
Following discussions with government officials, the organisations claimed they were assured that a seminar involving legal experts, academicians, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from all communities would be held during the first week of August. Experts associated with the Supreme Court, the Gauhati High Court, and the Assam NRC process were also expected to participate.
However, the CSOs alleged that no official notification or advisory had been issued regarding the proposed seminar despite the government's assurance. They warned that if the consultation is not held before August 8, they will proceed with the statewide shutdown and intensify their agitation.
The organisations further claimed that although the Manipur Legislative Assembly had earlier passed resolutions supporting NRC implementation and forwarded them to the Centre, the state executive had failed to pursue the matter effectively.
The CSOs argued that delaying the NRC could lead to the inclusion of illegal immigrants in the Census, a concern they say has generated widespread anxiety among sections of the state's population. They reiterated that meaningful dialogue and timely government action are essential to avoid disruption and address public concerns over the NRC issue.