IMPHAL: A large number of Meira Paibi activists held a torch rally in Imphal on the night of August 27, demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated before the national Census exercise.
The rally was organised by the North Imphal Meira and Clubs Coordinating Committee under the aegis of the Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation (JFD). Hundreds of women marched through the streets carrying flaming torches to press for an NRC update.
The procession began at Koirengei village and moved along National Highway-2 before proceeding towards Liberal College in Luwangsangbam village. Police provided security during the rally in view of the sensitive situation in the region.
The protest followed similar demonstrations held across Manipur in recent days. On August 23, Meira Paibi activists held another torch rally along Tiddim Road, while a protest was also organised in Imphal on August 20 under the JFD’s call.
The protesters demanded that the NRC be updated before the Census and called for the Census exercise to be deferred until the NRC process was undertaken.
The JFD intensified its campaign from August 16, organising protests and torch rallies at several locations across the state. Demonstrative marches were also held along Uripok-Kangchup Road, Tiddim Road, Kongba Road and Khurai-Lamlong.
The protests came amid continuing concerns among sections of civil society over the Census and NRC process in Manipur.
