The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati, strongly supports the stance and demand of the United Naga Council (UNC) for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the conduct of the Census, with 1951 as the base year.
The NPO is deeply concerned about unchecked and undocumented migration from neighbouring countries, which has potentially altered the demographic composition of Manipur and created serious challenges to the identity, land and security of the indigenous communities. In a geographically very small State like Manipur, such changes have contributed to the social tensions and, if left unaddressed, may further aggravate ethnic conflicts.
The continuous expansion of human settlements in protected and reserved forest areas, including the emergence and rapid growth of villages over the past two to three decades, has also become a matter of serious concern and has contributed to growing tensions among indigenous communities.
Taking into account of these concerns, the NPO reiterates its clear position: “Census should not be undertaken before the NRC.”
Therefore, the Naga People’s Organisation, Senapati, urges the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to seriously consider the legitimate concerns raised by the indigenous communities of Manipur and to undertake a credible NRC exercise to determine citizenship status and distinguish between legitimate citizens and illegal migrants.
The NPO hopes that the early implementation of a credible National Registration of Citizens, followed by the census will help safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the indigenous communities, address genuine demographic concerns, strengthen proper documentation of citizenship, and contribute to long-term social stability and peace in Manipur.
Issued by:
Naga People’s Organisation (NPO)
Senapati
