Manipur reaffirms stand to implement NRC in state, adopts resolution in Assembly

Participating in the discussion, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the 2022 Assembly resolution was sent to Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalat. Subsequently, in 2023 the Deputy Registrar General, Jaspal Singh, officially intimated the state Home Commissioner informing that the Centre is actively considering taking a call on the resolution to implement the NRC in Manipur. He said, “It is better to resign from politics if the commitment to protect and safeguard the people of Manipur is not realized.”

Biren Singh, on his official X account, wrote, “NRC is crucial for safeguarding the interests of our state and contributing to the greater good of our nation”.

“The decision to urge the Government of India to expedite the implementation of the NRC reflects our commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of Manipur. He then urges all the citizens to support this endeavor as we strive to build a stronger, more prosperous Manipur for generations to come”, Singh added.

Moving his motion, Leishiyo said the current crisis has opened a Pandora’s box of issues ranging from border fencing, the influx of illegal immigrants and FRM among others.

One of the crucial issues taking centrestage is the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Leishiyo said that while the implementation of the NRC has unfolded many debates, maintaining such a record would be in favour of the indigenous communities residing in the state. He added, there will be merit and demerit in the exercise, but maintaining a proper record will help the state in better policymaking and streamlining administration. The MLA then suggested that the Private Member Resolution be converted to a government resolution.

The 2022 resolution of the Manipur Assembly to implement the NRC came days after 19 tribal bodies, mostly Nagas, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Private Members Resolution discussion was also participated by JD(U) MLA Abdul Nasir, NPF MLA Awangbow Newmai, NPP MLA Noorul Hassan, NPP MLA Th Santi, BJP MLA L Rameshwor.