Manipur protesters lock government offices over NRC demand

Imphal: Activists from the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation shut down several government offices across Manipur on September 11. The group demands the National Register of Citizens be updated using 1951 as the base year. Protesters targeted the Trade Centre Imphal at the SDO office complex in Porompat, the Moirang SDO office, and the Sub-Registrar office in Moirang. They also posted signs reading, "Don’t attend office," alongside calls for the NRC update.

Police intervened to remove the locks and reopen the facilities. Officers detained at least three volunteers during the operation. This shutdown follows a failed meeting between the JFD and Manipur Home Minister K. Govindas Konthoujam at his Babupara residence in Imphal earlier that morning. Approximately 30 representatives met with the minister to seek a formal commitment.

While the minister described the discussion as constructive, the JFD rejected the characterization. JFD Finance Secretary Sunil Karam told reporters that the government offered no concrete promise to issue an official order by the end of September. The group maintains that verbal assurances are not enough. They plan to intensify their agitation unless the state secures a firm commitment for the 1951 base year before the upcoming Census.

The JFD exempted essential services, including education, electricity, water supply, and post offices, from the shutdown. Despite the ongoing friction, Karam urged police to respect peaceful protests while asking activists to avoid causing unnecessary public hardship. The organization continues to pressure the Manipur government to push the Centre for immediate action.

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