IMPHAL, August 19: A 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census entered its second day on Wednesday, with protesters blocking roads and burning tyres and effigies across Manipur’s valley districts.
Essential services, including medical services, press, water supply and electricity, were exempted from the blockades. The agitation disrupted vehicular movement and affected normal life in several areas.
At Khurai in Imphal East, protesters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, alleging that the state government had failed to ensure NRC updation before the Census.
The protesters said the demand had the support of indigenous communities and accused the government of inaction. They maintained that the NRC should be updated before the Census to address concerns over illegal immigration.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has appealed to the organisers to withdraw the strike and adopt other democratic forms of protest, saying the shutdown was affecting various sections of society, particularly daily-wage earners. He has also said the state government supports the NRC and has already taken several initiatives in this regard.
Meanwhile, some NDA MLAs have left for Delhi to meet Central leaders and seek their intervention on the demand. The strike is scheduled to continue for 48 hours, with further protests expected across the valley districts.
