Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation and the Native Peoples’ Committee Manipur recently hosted an awareness program in Chandel to address rising regional tensions and demographic shifts. The event brought together community leaders and experts to discuss the need for a unified response to external aggression.
Ashang Kasar, convener of the Native Peoples’ Committee Manipur, argued that the state is experiencing significant demographic pressure. He called for the National Register of Citizens to be enforced before the next census to properly identify indigenous inhabitants. Kasar stated, “The common enemy of the state is the Government of India, which, he alleged, uses foreign elements as proxies.”
Former IRS officer K. Timothy Zimik presented historical data suggesting a disproportionate increase in village numbers within specific districts, while Homen Thangjam of Indira Gandhi Tribal University linked illegal immigration to local environmental concerns, specifically deforestation. The speakers collectively emphasized the necessity of distinguishing genuine citizens from foreign migrants.
The assembly finalized five core resolutions. These include a demand for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens using 1951 as the base year, the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement, and a call for collective defense among indigenous communities. Additionally, participants demanded swift justice regarding the violence against six Naga individuals. Organizers confirmed that they intend to host similar awareness campaigns across other districts to maintain regional unity.
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