Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) In its ongoing session, the state assembly on Friday resolved to urge the Centre for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, an effective mechanism to check the inflow of “outsiders” in the state.
NRC implementation is one of the key demands of the stepped up civil bodies’ campaign across the valley districts of conflict-torn Manipur.
Following lengthy deliberations in the House, Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh read out the resolution “This house resolved to reaffirm its previous resolution passed on 5th August 2022, and also to urge the Government of India to implement National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur in the interest of the state in particular and of the nation in general.”
The resolution came after the Speaker permitted a private member resolution on the matter raised by Phungyar constituency legislator Leishiyo Keishing to be approved as government resolution.
Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, leader of the House, during deliberations on the matter, said the state has witnessed influx of illegal immigrants particularly from neighboring Myanmar in various phases threatening the indigenes’ demography.
The state assembly had on August 5, 2022, unanimously resolved to establish the Population Commission of the state and also to introduce the NRC.
Many civil and student bodies of the state have been demanding the Centre to implement NRC in the state with 1951 as the base year.
Nevertheless, the state cabinet had in June 2022, resolved to adopt 1961 as the base year for determining the “native status” for Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) which has been reintroduced in the state since 2020.
A few weeks back, the CM, at an official function, said that anyone irrespective and caste and community coming in Manipur after 1961 would be identified and deported.
Meanwhile, the CM, during Friday’s session, informed the House that out of eight cases registered in connection with the mob violence triggered on February 15 at the headquarters of the Kuki-Chin dominated Churachandpur district, two were handed over to the CBI for through investigation.
Responding to a calling attention motion raised by legislator Keisham Meghachandra Singh of the opposition Congress, the leader of the House said that in a video footage of the incident miscreants holding AK 47 rifles were seen.
