Imphal: The Coordinating Committee for Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the United Naga Council (UNC), leading civil society organizations representing the Meitei and Naga communities respectively, called for the swift implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur on Tuesday.
Representatives from both bodies met with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan, emphasizing that implementing the NRC with 1951 as the base year would help curb the influx of illegal immigrants and address the resulting demographic imbalance in the state. They pointed out that the large-scale presence of illegal immigrants has created significant uncertainties and political insecurities for the native population.
The delegation urged the Governor to implement the NRC as soon as possible to employ a scientific method for identifying illegal immigrants and to prevent further infiltration into the state. They also called for an end to the random recognition of villages without proper verification and for an examination of the abnormal increase in villages in specific districts, suggesting that corrective measures be taken.
Governor Uikey assured the representatives that necessary steps would be taken to implement the NRC in Manipur. She stated that the matter has been discussed with the President of India, the Finance Minister, and the Union Home Minister and that the Central Government is aware of the situation. She also promised that all necessary actions would be taken in the best interest of the people of Manipur.
The delegation was led by Thokchom Somorendro, Coordinator of COCOMI, and NG. Lorho, President of UNC.
