Manipur's Joint Democratic Front Initiates 24-Hour Strike Demanding NRC Update
General Strike Called Ahead of Assembly Session
Torch rally held across Manipur Valley demanding NRC before Census on Sunday (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Aug 31: In anticipation of the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly session set to commence on September 2, the Joint Democratic Front (JDF) has announced a 24-hour general strike starting at midnight on Monday.
This strike marks the second such action by the Front in recent weeks, aimed at halting all census-related activities in the state until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is revised.
JDF Convenor Jeetendra Ningombam stated that the strike is intended to exert pressure on the state government to make a definitive decision regarding this matter during the forthcoming Assembly session.
“The general strike will commence at midnight today to advocate for our demands ahead of the Assembly session, which is expected to begin on September 2,” Ningombam conveyed over the phone.
Ningombam also called upon Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who has shown support for updating the NRC, to engage with the BJP-led central government on this issue.
“The public anticipates a decisive resolution in the Assembly, which includes suspending all census-related activities and outlining a plan for NRC updates,” he added.
The strike announcement followed protests at 18 locations across the valley districts of Manipur, highlighted by a significant “No NRC, No Census” torch rally in Kakching on Sunday night, which escalated into violence when police intervened to prevent protesters from advancing towards the district headquarters.
A substantial crowd from Wabagai, Hiyanglam, and nearby areas participated in the torch rally, which commenced at Wabagai-Hiyanglam Lamkhai Keithel. Protesters chanted slogans of “No NRC, No Census,” opposing the Census without an updated NRC and calling for the resettlement of internally displaced individuals.
As the rally attempted to move towards the Kakching district headquarters, police halted the demonstrators near Keirak Dam, resulting in a confrontation. Authorities deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
At least seven individuals, including four women, were detained but were reportedly released later.
Protests also took place at various locations including Pheija Leitong, Lamangdong, Nepra Manjor Pukhrimapal, Moirang Bazar, Thoubal Ningombam Keithel, Singjamei Chingamakha, Kakching, and Wangkhei Angom Leikai. A Meira rally was also conducted at Wangkhei Angom Leikai.
“Today, we have organized significant protests at Ema Keithel and other sites. Our campaign and pressure will persist,” Ningombam remarked.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khemchand departed for New Delhi on August 30, indicating plans to meet with senior Central leaders to discuss various issues affecting Manipur.
Before his departure, the Chief Minister urged all community members to avoid calling for bandhs or blockades, cautioning that such actions could lead to violence and create difficulties for the public.