'Implementation of NRC must precede delimitation'
- 21st March 2023 -

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WMC have been observing the developments in Manipur and therefore we could well confirm that it is the migrant people who are the driving force against the Meeteis who are asking to include themselves in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

The migration of Kuki-Chin people started in the 18th century from the neighbouring areas of the present day Myanmar. Till today the illegal migration is reported every now and then. This is serious.

The present movement by the students of Manipur and civil society organisations urging the governments of India and Manipur to implement NRC is to check and identify the illegal migrants from among the genuine migrant population. Taking into account data available in various sources a sizeable portion of the migrant community are illegal migrants.

The present movement of the students and the civil society organisations is a movement dedicated fully to the interest of all the people of Manipur irrespective of caste, creed, language or religion; we all must support it without any condition. However what is most important is the fact that implementation of NRC must precede delimitation.

Because without identifying the illegal migrants from among the genuine ones delimitation could be a farce since delimitation is based on population. However in Manipur everything is possible even migrants get enlisted as scheduled tribes.

Therefore WMC appeal to all the people of Manipur to remain vigilant and alert so that only the rightful people are given their franchise. This is the basic premise of a democratic country.

Finally WMC urges all the genuine people in this beautiful state Manipur to remain alert and not to be swayed by the false propaganda of certain sections of migrant population who are playing divide and win policy in the name of tribal.

Yambem Arun Meetei
Secretary General
CEC - World Meetei Council
www.worldmeeteicouncil.com