Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi are backing Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he agreed to review the state's request for a 1951 NRC base year. During a September 14 address in Imphal, Khemchand emphasized that the NRC remains a core component of the BJP manifesto. He noted that former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh first moved to implement the registry in 2022.
Sharda reiterated this at a press briefing at Thambal Sanglen. She noted that the state assembly passed formal resolutions seeking the NRC in both 2022 and 2024. The party wants the registry finished before any census begins. This ensures population counts rely on verified, credible data. Officials have already secured a deferral of the census in Manipur to accommodate this process.
Trust the process. "The demand for NRC did not begin recently. Let us have faith in the assurance given by the Union Home Minister," Sharda said. She expects these words to become concrete action.
Khemchand also addressed the ethnic violence that ignited on May 3, 2023. He blamed opposition groups for merely criticizing the government instead of working toward peace. He claimed the BJP is focused on inter-community reconciliation and restoring free movement for all 36 local communities. He pointed to the existing Inner Line Permit as proof of the central government’s commitment to protecting indigenous interests.
Sharda shifted to the state economy, identifying tourism as a primary growth engine. She insisted that better connectivity and infrastructure are mandatory to lure visitors. Hosting national and international events could highlight Manipur's heritage while creating sustainable local jobs.
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