The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) has stepped up its campaign for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur ahead of the Census. On Tuesday, the organisation held a series of street-corner meetings in several parts of the state, urging residents to back its demand for NRC verification before the population Census is conducted.
JFD leaders and members of its task force conducted awareness programmes at several locations, including Khumbong Bazaar, Lamshang Keithel, Kwakeithel, Lamphel Super Market, Nagamapal, Sagolmang, Pangei, Khabam Lamkhai, Koirengei and Sekmai.
During the meetings, the organisation highlighted what it described as the need to establish an updated NRC before carrying out the Census. JFD argued that conducting the Census without first completing NRC updation could result in inaccurate population data and have wider consequences for governance, demographic planning and the interests of indigenous communities.
The organisation also linked its demand to the continuing displacement caused by the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. According to JFD, a significant number of internally displaced people have yet to return to their original places of residence. It therefore maintained that conducting a fair and accurate Census under the present circumstances could be difficult.
JFD also referred to provisions of the Census Act, 1948, claiming that the Census can be deferred under appropriate circumstances. The organisation has urged the Manipur government to clearly announce its position on updating the NRC before the Census by August 6.
The group warned that it would intensify its agitation if the government fails to respond to its demand within the deadline. It has also appealed to people across the state to participate in local protest sit-ins planned until August 6.
The latest street-corner meetings are part of JFD’s broader campaign to build public support for its NRC demand and press the state government to take a decision before the Census process moves ahead.