Meira Paibi activists in Manipur organised a torch rally demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the proposed census exercise in the state.
The demonstrators marched with flaming torches and raised slogans in support of their demand, arguing that an NRC exercise should be carried out before the census to identify and verify residents.
The rally reflected growing calls from sections of civil society in Manipur for an NRC-based verification process before the collection of census data. The activists maintained that such an exercise was necessary to address concerns surrounding population changes and the identification of residents.
Meira Paibi Activists Hold Torch Rally
The torch rally saw the participation of Meira Paibi activists, who carried traditional flaming torches while marching through the area.
During the demonstration, participants reiterated their demand for the implementation of the NRC before the census exercise. They called on the authorities to take their concerns into consideration and initiate the necessary process.
The activists said that the issue should be addressed before the census begins, maintaining that proper verification of residents was important for ensuring the accuracy and credibility of demographic data.
The demonstration remained focused on pressing the demand for an NRC exercise and highlighting the concerns raised by the participants.
Demand for NRC Before Census Exercise
The activists argued that conducting an NRC exercise before the census would help establish a verified record of eligible residents.
They expressed concerns over demographic changes and maintained that the verification process should precede the collection of census data.
The demand for NRC implementation has been raised by various organisations and groups in Manipur in recent years. The issue remains politically and socially significant in the state, where concerns related to migration, population and identity continue to feature prominently in public discourse.
The Meira Paibi activists said the government should address these concerns and consider implementing the NRC before proceeding with the census exercise.
Protesters Highlight Population and Identity Concerns
Participants in the torch rally raised concerns about the potential impact of unverified population data on the demographic composition of Manipur.
They argued that an NRC process could help establish clarity regarding the status of residents and ensure that demographic records accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
The activists called for greater attention to the issue and urged the authorities to take appropriate steps in response to their demand.
The rally formed part of continuing public mobilisation around the issue, with civil society groups seeking to draw the attention of both the state and central governments.
NRC Demand Continues to Draw Attention in Manipur
The demand for an NRC before the census has become an important issue in Manipur, with different groups expressing their views on the proposed exercise.
Supporters of the demand argue that resident verification should be completed before the census, while authorities have yet to indicate whether such a process will be undertaken specifically in response to the calls from various organisations.
The latest torch rally by Meira Paibi activists adds to the ongoing public discussion surrounding the issue.
Activists Seek Government Action
The Meira Paibi activists urged the government to consider their demand and take appropriate action before the census exercise moves forward.
They maintained that the concerns surrounding resident verification and demographic changes should be addressed through an appropriate and transparent process.
With the demand continuing to gain attention, the issue is expected to remain a subject of discussion among civil society organisations, political groups and government authorities.
The torch rally underlined the activists’ call for the implementation of the NRC before the census, with participants stating that they would continue to press for action on the issue.