The group will also march to the Manipur Assembly on September 7 to press for its “No NRC, No Census” demand
Impahl: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has announced a 24-hour statewide general strike in Manipur if the Centre fails to officially defer the Census exercise and ensure an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census begins.
The proposed shutdown will start at midnight on August 31 and continue until midnight on September 1, JFD Convenor Jeetendra Ningombam said.
Addressing reporters, Ningombam said the Government of India must formally announce its decision on deferring the Census and updating the NRC before proceeding with the exercise. He also urged the Manipur government to take up the issue during the upcoming session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, scheduled for September 2, 3 and 7.
The JFD has called for the government to clearly state its position on the public demand of “No NRC, No Census.” Ningombam further announced that people would march towards the Assembly on September 7 to press for the demand and hear the Assembly’s decision on the issue.
The proposed protest comes amid growing debate in Manipur over the timing of the Census and the demand for an updated NRC. The JFD has maintained that the NRC should be updated before the Census exercise is carried out.
The organisation said it would continue mobilising public support if its demands are not addressed by the Centre before the August 31 deadline.
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