Imphal, May 3: Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has defended his government’s record on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), highlighting a series of Assembly decisions and official notifications between 2022 and 2024 to counter criticism that no progress had been made.
In a statement shared on social media, Singh asserted that the documented timeline reflects a “consistent approach from decision to action”, supported by official records. He pointed to Resolution No. 129, unanimously adopted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 5, 2022, which resolved to establish a State Population Commission and to introduce and enforce the NRC. The resolution marked a formal policy direction taken on the floor of the House.
Subsequent administrative steps followed in early 2023, when a notification published in the Manipur Gazette confirmed the constitution of the Manipur State Population Commission. The body was assigned the task of examining population trends, demographic changes and related policy matters. Its mandate includes analysing district-wise population growth, studying data relevant to planning and registration systems, and submitting reports to the state government.
Officials described the commission as a foundational mechanism to prepare the groundwork for any future NRC exercise, rather than a standalone measure. It has also been authorised to conduct surveys and provide recommendations as required.
The matter returned to the Assembly in March 2024, when another resolution reaffirmed the earlier position and urged the Government of India to implement the NRC in the state. The resolution emphasised action “in the interest of the State in particular and of the Nation in general”, reinforcing continuity with the 2022 decision.
Singh rejected opposing claims, stating that facts had been overlooked in discussions on the NRC in Manipur. He argued that dismissing the documented steps does not withstand scrutiny and risks misleading the public. The documents shared alongside his remarks include the 2022 Assembly resolution, the 2023 gazette notification detailing the commission’s mandate, and the 2024 resolution reiterating the push for NRC.
