Manipur closes educational institutions for three days amid NRC stir

The Manipur government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges for three days starting Thursday, citing the prevailing law and order situation linked to ongoing protests over the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The decision comes as the Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) forum, which is leading the agitation, announced a boycott of all government offices. JFD convener Jitendra Ningomba clarified that essential services such as health, water supply, electricity, and education would remain unaffected by the boycott.

Ningomba also urged the public to participate in large numbers in torch rallies planned at various locations to press the demand for NRC implementation.

Amid the unrest, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh met with a delegation of students from ten schools and colleges. The students submitted a charter of demands, including the implementation of NRC in Manipur before the next Census to identify illegal immigrants, the reopening of educational institutions, and a request for the matter to be taken up in the state Assembly.

The Chief Minister reportedly assured the delegation that the government would raise the NRC issue in the upcoming Assembly session, scheduled to begin on September 2. He also conveyed the government's support for NRC implementation in the state, while noting that two key aspects—the manner of implementation and ensuring an error-free process—need to be addressed.