Imphal: Five civil society groups swarmed Sekmaijin Thongkha today. They staged a sit-in protest to force the government to implement the National Register of Citizens with 1951 as the base year. The organizations involved were AMUCO, AMAWOVA, PLMPAM, COHR, and MSF. Women from the local area dominated the crowd.
The demonstrators made six specific demands. They want the state to protect Manipur's territorial integrity and finish the NRC before the 2027 Census. They also called for the immediate return of displaced persons to their homes, a resolution to the ongoing state crisis, and the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958. They strictly oppose the Special Intensive Revision 2026.
Leaders argued that population counts without identifying immigrants from the Myanmar border pose a risk to indigenous demographics. They fear current census efforts might solidify illegal settlements. Furthermore, organizers warned that revising electoral rolls while thousands remain displaced threatens voting rights.
Protesters held signs with messages like, "NRC Only Way to Save Indigenous People." The crowd also held a silent prayer for peace and placed traditional offerings at the site. The movement remains firm on its core message: "No Census Before NRC."
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