Imphal: The Union Government on Monday decided to defer the Census exercise in Manipur following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, reviewed the current situation in Manipur and was attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials.
The meeting discussed the demand from sections of the people of Manipur to defer the Census exercise in the State until the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Considering the sentiments and aspirations of the people, it was decided to defer the proposed Census exercise in Manipur.
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders for listening to the concerns of the people and fulfilling their aspirations.
He also thanked BJP national president Nitin Nabin for his continued support in pursuing the demand.
Khemchand Singh appreciated the efforts of leaders of 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) and a delegation of BJP MLAs who had recently travelled to New Delhi to campaign for the implementation of the NRC in Manipur.
The Chief Minister said their continued engagement with central leaders and officials had contributed to Monday’s decision.
Khemchand Singh said bandhs and general strikes would not help in pressing demands before the government and would instead cause hardship to the common people.
He urged civil society groups to continue engaging in dialogue and extend full cooperation to the administration in addressing the socio-political challenges facing the State.
“The government is for the people, and any issues concerning the State should be discussed with the government to find better solutions,” he said.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that both the Manipur and Union governments remained committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the State.
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