Serious about demand for conducting NRC before census: Manipur govt

Imphal, Oct 3 (PTI) The Manipur government on Saturday said it is serious about the demand of a civil society group that the National Register of Citizens be conducted before the census exercise in the state.

The government's comment comes at a time when the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has been spearheading protests over the NRC demand and has asked the BJP dispensation to deliberate with the Centre on the issue.

The organisation had also threatened to intensify its protest if the demand was not met by September 30.

Addressing a press conference here, Manipur government spokesperson Sapam Ranjan said, "The authorities are very sincere and serious about the demand that NRC be conducted before the census exercise."

Ranjan, also a BJP MLA, said the government is "sincerely trying" its best to resolve the issue and is "leaving no stone unturned so that the wishes of the people of Manipur are fulfilled".

"I would like to request the JFD to work together for the future of the people and for all sections of the society. We are in the same boat," he said.

Following widespread protests over the NRC demand by Meitei and Naga groups, the central government had earlier deferred the 2027 Census in Manipur.

The state has been witnessing ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023 between the valley-based Meitei and the hill-based Kuki communities.

The ethnic strife claimed at least 306 lives, with 49 individuals remaining missing and thousands left homeless.