Manipur’s 48-hour strike over the demand to update the NRC before the Census enters its second day, with protests and road blockades across the valley
Imphal: A 48-hour general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation over the demand to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census entered its second day on Wednesday, August 19, with protests continuing across several valley districts of Manipur.
Protesters blocked roads and burnt tyres and effigies at multiple locations. However, medical services, press movement, water supply and electricity were kept outside the road blockades.
At Khurai in Imphal East, protesters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, accusing the state government of failing to take adequate steps to update the NRC before the Census.
Protesters said the demand was linked to safeguarding the interests of Manipur’s indigenous population and warned of long-term consequences if the NRC is not updated before the Census.
The strike has disrupted normal life in parts of the valley, with road blockades affecting vehicular movement. Protesters said vehicles associated with essential services were being allowed through.
Chief Minister Khemchand has appealed to the organisers to withdraw the strike and adopt other democratic forms of protest, saying the shutdown was particularly affecting daily-wage workers. He has also said that the state government supports updating the NRC and that several steps have already been initiated in this regard.
Meanwhile, some NDA MLAs have travelled to Delhi to meet Central leaders and seek intervention on the demand. The strike is scheduled to continue for 48 hours, with further protests and road blockades expected across Manipur’s valley districts.
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