In a reaffirmation of its stance, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has once again endorsed the resolution passed on August 5, 2022, for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens-NRC in the State.
During the ongoing session of the Assembly, the resolution was adopted on Friday, following a Private Member Resolution motion put forward by Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA K Leishiyo.
In his contribution to the discussion, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh highlighted the previous resolution’s progression, indicating that it had been forwarded to Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalat in 2022. Additionally, in 2023, Deputy Registrar General Jaspal Singh officially communicated to the state Home Commissioner, indicating the active consideration by the Centre regarding the resolution to implement the NRC in Manipur. Singh outlined the importance of fulfilling commitments to safeguard the people of Manipur.
Expressing his support for the cause, Singh reiterated the significance of the NRC for protecting the State’s interests and contributing to the nation’s welfare. He urged citizens to rally behind this initiative, envisioning a stronger, more prosperous Manipur for future generations.
During the motion, Leishiyo shed light on the current challenges, including border fencing, illegal immigration, and FRM (Framed Register of Migrants), particularly from Myanmar. He stressed upon the necessity of maintaining records through NRC implementation to benefit indigenous communities, despite acknowledging both merits and drawbacks. Leishiyo proposed converting the Private Member Resolution into a government resolution.
The Assembly’s resolution in 2022 to implement the NRC followed a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by 19 tribal bodies, predominantly Nagas.
The Private Member Resolution discussion also featured participation from JD(U) MLA Abdul Nasir, NPF MLA Awangbow Newmai, NPP MLAs Noorul Hassan and Th Santi, as well as BJP MLA L Rameshwor.
