Manipur Seeks 1951 Base Year for NRC, Says 14,992 Detected Immigrants Pushed Back
Manipur proposes 1951 as NRC base year; 14,992 of 24,475 detected illegal immigrants pushed back to Myanmar; KZC urges Census.
The Manipur government has proposed using 1951 as the base year for conducting a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, a move that could significantly alter the citizenship verification process.
Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas informed the State Assembly that of the 24,475 individuals detected as 'illegal immigrants' so far, 14,992 have been pushed back into Myanmar. The remaining cases are presumably under various stages of investigation or legal processing.
The announcement comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the state, where demographic concerns have been a flashpoint. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a prominent civil society body, has urged the Centre to proceed with the Census in Manipur, insisting that 'politically motivated demands' should not obstruct the enumeration exercise.
The push for a 1951 base year aligns with the demands of several indigenous groups who argue that large-scale migration, particularly from Myanmar, occurred after that date. However, such a move is likely to face opposition from other communities who fear exclusion.
The state government's stance on the NRC and the ongoing repatriation of illegal immigrants underscores the complex demographic and political challenges facing Manipur.