Imphal, September 13: Manipur Government spokespersons MLA Th. Radheshyam Singh and MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh on Sunday appealed to the Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation (JFD) to withdraw its agitation calling for the closure of Central and State government offices in connection with the demand for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The appeal was made during a press meet held at the Durbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat at Babupara, Imphal.
Addressing the media, Th. Radheshyam said the State Government was fully aware of the concerns raised by the JFD and acknowledged that people in Manipur have been demanding that the NRC be conducted before the Census.
He said the 8th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly had reaffirmed its earlier resolution seeking the conduct of the NRC before the Census. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, he added, had also conveyed the State’s position to the Central Government.
Radheshyam further said that during the concluding day of the recent Assembly session, members discussed the proposed base year of 1951 for the NRC, and the matter had already been conveyed to the Union Home Ministry.
He said members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly had also taken up the issue with the Central leadership during their visit to New Delhi, while the Chief Minister subsequently conveyed the concerns and aspirations of the people of the State to the Centre.
According to the government spokesperson, the Union Home Ministry has consequently postponed the Census process.
Against this backdrop, he said, the JFD had intensified its agitation by calling for the closure of government offices. Such actions, he cautioned, could affect the normal functioning of government institutions and create further difficulties for the public.
Radheshyam appealed to the JFD not to escalate its agitation or continue activities for a prolonged period, warning that prolonged disruptions could add to the hardships already being faced by people in the State.
“Let’s give peace a chance in Manipur,” he appealed, urging all sections of society to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the State.
The government spokespersons also clarified that Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, along with several MLAs, has been camping in New Delhi for the past few days to press the Centre on the issue of conducting the NRC with 1951 as the base year.
They expressed hope that the Central Government would take appropriate steps in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Manipur.
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