Imphal: Over 400 residents gathered at Pallel Market in Kakching district on Thursday to demand an updated National Register of Citizens before the next census. Indigenous Meitei and Naga community members organized the meeting to address the state's ongoing turmoil. The event was run by the Native Peoples' Committee, Manipur, the United Committee for Protection, Meira Paibi, and NPLKTLP.
Speakers blamed illegal immigration and rapid demographic shifts for the state's instability. They argued that external forces support land encroachment. Leaders at the event demanded the government use legal mechanisms to fix these issues. They insisted that their movement is not against any specific group but is aimed at protecting ancestral lands and constitutional rights. Organizers slammed the Central Government for its poor response to local grievances. Attendees felt the state's indigenous voices were ignored. One speaker stated, "the exercise was essential to safeguard the rights, identity, land and future of the state's indigenous communities."
Dr. L. Phaomei and Trimson Saka from the NPCM headlined the speakers. Other officials included M. Jiban, M. Romita Devi, Romen Meitei, S. Rabi, and M. Ojit Singh. The group finished the meeting with a vow to stick together. They plan to work collectively for their future. The resolve to protect ancestral territory remains their top goal.
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