Delimitation: Erroneous census reports, allege HERICOUN, IPSA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 01 2020:
Strongly reacting to the proposal to conduct delimitation based on 2001 census report, the Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) has appealed to the State Government, Opposition and all political parties, CSOs to stand unitedly and send a clear message to the Central Government that delimitation process should be done fair and square with the census report of 1951 as the base year.
In this regard, a press release signed by secretary, publicity and propaganda, HERICOUN, Y Yaiphaba said that conducting delimitation on the proposed year (2001) would be erroneous and might invite strong agitation from different communities.
Citing that abnormal growth of population was detected in the census report of 2001 in some subdivisions of Manipur, Y Yaiphaba asserted that delimitation in the State should be carried out only after furnishing a fresh census report that is acceptable to all.
He also questioned as to how such 'erroneous report' which is biologically impossible was published in the first place.
If delimitation is conducted as per 2001 or 2011 census reports, at least 3 to 6 Constituencies in the valley will vanish, Y Yaiphaba said and added that report of 2011 census is incorrect for hill districts too.
Further suggesting that foreigners inhabiting in the State should be detected and sent to their respective States or countries before conducting the proposed delimitation exercise, Y Yaiphaba also demanded to all concerned to draw the State as well as districts boundary distinctly.
Biometrics data and physical evidence should also be collected while counting heads to ensure transparency, he said and continued that districts that report abnormal growth of population should be scrutinized at the earliest.
IPSA
International Peace and Social Advancement has also urged the Government(s) and authority(ies) concerned to conduct the delimitation process only after completing the 2021 census.
Recalling that the then Central Government had resolved not to have delimitation till 2026, IPSA warned that ignoring the sentiment of Manipur might invite agitation.