Imphal: Fourteen civil society organizations in Manipur want a National Register of Citizens in the state before the 2027 Census. The delegation met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to present their case. They claim the register is vital to protect indigenous people.
Delegation head Shanta Nahakpam told reporters the group has already met the Chief Minister and a Union Minister. They fear shifting demographics threaten the state. "The identification of illegal immigrants should precede the Census exercise," Nahakpam said. The groups also want the state to revive its Population Commission and secure a seat on the national committee tracking demographic shifts.
Governor Bhalla heard the group's demands. He promised to help set up meetings with central officials. The coalition plans to fly to New Delhi on July 5 to meet the Union Home Secretary and the Registrar General of India. They want to force the issue before the census count begins.
The activists are now gathering documents from the public to back their claims. They told citizens to drop off relevant information at the offices of IPSA and IPAK before the travel team leaves. They need all the leverage they can get.
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