Imphal, Sep 1 (PTI): A general strike called by an organisation demanding implementation of NRC affected normal life in Manipur on Tuesday, as Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh urged people to refrain from calling bandhs and choose other forms of agitation.
The 24-hour general strike was called by Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) to press for the demand for implementation of NRC updation before conducting the census, though the Centre on Monday deferred the exercise in the state.
Market establishments and business centres remained closed, and streets wore a deserted look.
Educational institutions also remained closed while public transport remained off the road in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, officials said.
A few private vehicles were seen plying on the streets. At Yairipok in Thoubal district, bandh supporters put up bamboo poles in the middle of roads to block traffic movement.
In parts of Bishnupur district, bandh supporters stopped vehicles of the security forces and pasted posters reading “No NRC, No census” on the vehicles.
The demand for NRC implementation stemmed from the apprehension of the Meitei and Naga communities that a census without NRC could result in “demographic changes” in the state due to the alleged entry of illegal immigrants from neighbouring Myanmar, who have ethnic ties with the Kuki people.
The chief minister who arrived in Imphal on Tuesday from New Delhi urged people to choose alternate forms of protest.
“Even when the state is going through a hard time, there have been frequent bandhs. It affects the daily earners and the students the most,” Singh said, adding that the central and state governments know the wishes of the people.
Singh attended a meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in New Delhi on Monday. The decision to put the census operation on hold was taken at that meeting.
The development came a day before house listing of the census exercise is scheduled to begin in the ethnic violence-affected state from September 1. “The BJP is a party which is concerned about the welfare of Manipur and its people. The central leaders — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others — know the wishes of the people very well,” he added.
The chief minister who was felicitated at the BJP office also told the gathering that Shah will visit the state in October.
“The first term of the BJP government in the state from 2017 will remain in history as a period of peace in Manipur with no bandhs and blockades,” he said.
Later, in a social media post, Singh said he briefed party workers and leaders on the outcome of his meeting with Shah regarding the postponement of Census operations. “The national leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains cognisant of the sentiments, aspirations and concerns of the people of Manipur,” he said.
“The state government remains steadfast in its efforts to restore peace, normalcy and stability in Manipur,” Singh said and appealed to all sections of society to work collectively towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy.
At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 due to ethnic violence in Manipur between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis who live in the hill districts.
Following continued ethic clashes and the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later on February 4.
