IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has backed the demand to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state but urged groups leading the agitation to avoid bandhs and blockades, saying shutdowns would add to public hardship.
The appeal came amid protests demanding that the Census be deferred until the NRC is updated. The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has threatened a 24-hour bandh from midnight on August 31 if its demands are not addressed.
Speaking to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations before leaving for New Delhi on Sunday, Khemchand said the state and Central governments were committed to addressing public concerns. He said a recent campaign by 14 civil society organisations and a delegation of MLAs in New Delhi had received a positive response from the Centre.
The NRC demand has emerged as a major issue ahead of Census 2027, with the JFD and several civil society groups seeking an NRC update before the Census. Some organisations have demanded 1951 as the base year. Recent protests have included road blockades, rallies and disruptions to Census-related training.
Khemchand said bandhs particularly affected daily wage earners, women vegetable vendors and students. He urged organisations to use other democratic means to press their demands and warned that those violating the law or attempting to create disorder would face stringent action.
The Chief Minister is scheduled to meet senior Central leaders in New Delhi to discuss issues concerning Manipur.
Meanwhile, Khemchand highlighted the restoration of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service after more than three years, saying it would reduce the burden on people dependent on costly air travel between Imphal and Guwahati.
