“Update NRC before initiating the census operations” — Jeetendra Ningomba
Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba said that they did not oppose census operations in Manipur, but were only asking for identification and repatriation of illegal immigrants by updating the NRC or through a similar mechanism before initiating the census operations.
Jeetendra stated this while attending as a presidium member at the 8th Foundation Day celebration of Sporting Youth Club, Heirok Part (II) Khunou, Thoubal district, on Wednesday.
The event, which was held at its playground, also witnessed the presence of Moirangthem Rameshwar Meitei, Advisor, Heirok Apunba Club; Wahengbam Jiban Singh, President, Heirok Apunba Club; Khundongbam Gunamani Leima, Advisor, Heirok Apunba Meira Paibi; Moirangthem Manglem Singh, President, SYC; and K. Maharabi, Secretary, IPR, CFJD, as presidium members.
Speaking to the gathering, CFJD Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba continued that they had been appealing to the Government of India to defer the census operations for some time, considering the present restive situation and the absence of a secure environment for free movement in the State. He also said that they submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister and the Governor, but neither the State Government nor the Central Government has paid any attention to their appeal, he added.
Taking serious note of the order issued by the Government which has frozen administrative boundaries of districts, sub-divisions, and villages, the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (CJFD) has decided to launch a strong protest movement, Jeetendra stated, adding that a strong mass movement will be launched either in the last week of February or the first week of March this year against the scheduled census operations in Manipur.
He warned that if the issue of illegal migration is not addressed immediately, the state may face severe consequences, noting that unchecked migration over the last two decades has already caused serious demographic changes. He added that in the upcoming census, if house-to-house verification is not conducted properly, identifying outsiders later would become impossible. He urged the people to unite and participate actively in the proposed public movement expected to begin by the end of February or early March.
Speaking on the occasion, SYC Treasurer Moirangthem Thanil highlighted the club’s journey and its commitment to social welfare. He said the club would continue working closely with the community to promote development and unity in the locality.
SYC was established in 2013 and officially registered in 2017. The playground on which the gathering currently stands was developed through collective effort. The club also played a major role in the formation of the Heirok Apunba Club in 2023. He appealed to the public for continued cooperation and support.
As part of the programme, the club distributed blankets as a winter relief gesture to around 30 elderly men and women from the locality. Moreover, a tug-of-war competition, pot race, and cultural programmes were also held.
