State's desire to update NRC put up before Centre : Govindas
Protecting Manipur's identity, land top priority of Govt : CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 07 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has underscored that "Protecting Manipur's identity, land, culture and the interests of our people remains a priority of our Government" .

The Chief Minister said this in an update put up on the social media after the inaugural session of a two day consultative meeting cum seminar on Demographic Profile of Manipur at Hotel Classic Grande today.

At the same session, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that the State Government's desire to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and conduct Census 2027 within the existing legal frameworks and the country's Constitution has been conveyed to the Government of India.

State's desire to update NRC put up before Centre : Govindas

Govindas said that illegal immigration is now a big issue not only in Manipur but across the country.

Taking note of the gravity of the issue, the Central Government has already constituted a high power committee, he said.

Govindas expressed hope that this step of the Central Government will be effective enough in addressing the issue of illegal immigration and the growing people's concern in Manipur and elsewhere across the country.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said he feels gratified on seeing such a consultative meeting cum seminar.

He hoped that the consultative meeting cum seminar being jointly organised by the Home Department and the Manipur State Population Commission will come out with a comprehensive recommendation in line with the Constitution of India.

The Chief Minister said that the ongoing bandhs, blockades and other forms of agitation along the highways have severely affected the State's economy, with daily wage earners bearing the brunt of these agitations.

Khemchand said that the ongoing blockade has also caused serious problems for truck drivers who are stranded on National Highways while transporting essential goods to the State.

The Chief Minister assured that the State Government is always ready to support any steps and actions that benefit the general public.

Expressing confidence in the outcome of the discussions, the Chief Minister said he believes that the suggestions and resolutions adopted by experts will be for the welfare of the people.

He stressed that all recommendations must be within the provisions of the Constitution of India.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the public not to resort to any kind of agitation that may disrupt the normal daily activities of citizens.

Later the Chief Minister wrote on social media "Protecting Manipur's identity, land, culture and the interests of our people remains a priority of our Government" .

The inaugural function was attended by N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home); M Manimoham Meitei, State Population Commissioner; Dr M Veto Singh, Secretary, Manipur State Population Commission; CSO leaders, community leaders, women leaders, intellectuals, academicians and officials of the Home Department, among others.

In his keynote address, Manipur State Population Commission Secretary Dr M Veto said that there is a lack of conceptual clarity regarding census operations and updation of NRC amongst the public.

There is a confusion regarding under what legal status and statutory provisions census exercise is carried out and the NRC updation, Dr Veto said.

With preparations for census operations already initiated, there is a growing apprehension among the people of Manipur.

The consultative meeting cum seminar is a perfect opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and explore what can be suggested or recommended to the State, he added.