NIPCO questions delimitation process
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2020: The National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) has questioned the basis of the planned delimitation which was deferred till 2026 by the Delimitation Committee in 2008.Expressing strong objection, NIPCO asked if the Centre is conducting the delimitation for the State in the political interest of a few, that too on the basis of faulty 2001 population census.

The 2001 census of the State had witnessed unnatural decadal population growth rate, ranging from 49 pc to 169 pc in few assembly segments, said NIPCO while expressing fear that some extra-constitutional forces, which foresaw advantage in the ensuing delimitation exercise, might have manipulated the census activity.

Delimitation is conducted to ensure equitable representation in the State Assembly and smooth governance, however it will be disastrous if it is based on erroneous population census, said NIPCO and suggested the concerned delimitation commission to conduct the exercise on the basis of 2021 population census and after cross checking with Aadhaar cards.

The council has no objection in carving out or redrawing of assembly constituencies in both the hill and the valley areas for the sake of administrative convenience, it continued while stressing on the need for delimitation as many valley dwellers in some Assembly segments are allowed to cast their votes but cannot contest parliamentary elections.

NIPCO with the support of the people has been contributing towards bringing unity among the different communities and it would always work to bring about inclusive development in the State.

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