Fourteen Manipur civil society organisations urge Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to support NRC implementation before Census 2027 citing demographic concerns
IMPHAL — A delegation representing 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) of Kangleipak (Manipur) called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, urging him to support the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state before the proposed Census 2027.
Led by its convenor, the delegation submitted a memorandum along with supporting documents, seeking updation of the NRC prior to the Census exercise.
According to sources, the delegation expressed concern over demographic changes in the state and stressed that the identification of illegal immigrants should precede the Census.
It maintained that updating the NRC before Census 2027 is necessary to ensure the accuracy of population data and safeguard the constitutional and indigenous rights of the people of Manipur.
The delegation also urged the governor to support the revival of the State Population Commission and sought Manipur's representation in the High-Level Committee on Demographic Change recently constituted by the government of India.
It further appealed that constitutional rights and government benefits should not be extended to individuals residing illegally in the state.
On June 8, the 14 CSOs had staged a rally demanding that the NRC be updated before the next Census is conducted in Manipur.