Khemchand advocates dialogue, says census must precede NRC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 25 2026: The National Register of Citizens (NRC) cannot be updated without completing census first, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said, apparently hinting that the Government may conduct census 2027 exercise against growing public demand for an NRC exercise first.

The Chief Minister was briefing media persons on COCOMI's 7-point memorandum which was submitted to him today.

"What we have been seeking is an NRC update before the census, but this turns out to be quite the opposite [of the process]," Khemchand said.

To discuss the issue, Khemchand said, the State is making preparations to conduct a seminar.

"An Advocate from Assam who has vast knowledge of this [NRC] is being consulted" .

Assam is the latest State in India to have updated the NRC.

The exercise was carried out under a directive of the Supreme Court, Khemchand said.

Notably, the NRC updation exercise in Assam was carried out during 2013-2019 .

The final updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) was published in August 2019 .

Significantly, COCOMI in its 7-point memorandum had asked the Government if it would update the NRC to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

Briefing the media, Khemchand said his Government is willing to talk with COCOMI .

Only dialogues can resolve conflicts and bring resolutions to an impasse, he said, appealing to COCOMI to talk with the Government and urging it to consider the suffering of the ordinary citizens, daily wage earners and students.

On the April 7 Tronglaobi bomb attack which killed two children, Khemchand said his Government understands the suffering and sympathises with the family.

Considering the pain and suffering of the family, Khemchand said, the State Cabinet has even taken a decision to "give" beyond what was demanded by the JAC and the family.

"Further, an IG of the NIA is stationed here and monitoring the investigation to arrest the persons involved in the incident," said the Chief Minister.

Responding to a question, Khemchand said he is indeed the Chairman of the Unified Command as the Chief Minister.

After he assumed charge as the Chief Minister, Khemchand said, he has chaired two meetings of the Unified Command.

Regarding the State song not featuring on the April 23 Khongjom Day commemoration event, Khemchand said "the thought of the State song must have slipped out due to the prevailing tension".

The State song will surely be featured in the next year's observance, he added.

State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, who was present in the press briefing, said before the mass rally today, COCOMI was invited by the Government for a talk on April 22 .

While it [COCOMI] didn't respond to the invitation, the Chief Minister, his Cabinet Ministers and MLAs were instead asked to stay away from the Khongjom Day commemoration event, Govindas said.

On the other hand, there was an impression that today's rally would be peaceful and democratic, Govindas said, indirectly hinting that it wasn't.The Government will tolerate and hear every peaceful and democratic demonstration, he added.

Govindas further informed that COCOMI representatives submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister, in person, met with some "representatives of the public" at his Secretariat, according to the Home Minister.

On the COCOMI's memorandum, Govindas said the 7 questions put forth to the Government are all "sensitive and delicate" .

"As the questions also concern the Central Government, the State alone is not able to provide an answer ourightly," Govindas said.

"Nonetheless, the State Government is committed to protecting the indigenous peoples" .

The Central Government's stand against narco-terrorists and all forms of terrorism is firm and resolute, he added.

The Union Home Minister, in Parliament, declared the end of Naxalism in March.

It is also the goal of the Government of India to root out terrorists from North East India by 2029, and the State Government will act accordingly, Govindas said.

A team of the NIA led by an IG has visited Tronglaobi as part of their investigation.

"There are things that can't be made public at the moment.

These will be made public in due course of time," Govindas said.

The Government under the Chief Minister is taking all necessary steps to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons.

Even as there are constraints in arranging security due to diversion of a large number of the force to Assam and West Bengal for elections, what is hindering the return of the IDPs is the trust deficit among communities, Govindas said.

On the Suspension of Operations (SoO) with Kuki militants groups, Govindas said, the State Government's decision to scrap the pact was declined by the Central Government due to its policies.

When asked about women being injured in Assam Rifles breaking a civilian barricade in Ukhrul's Tolloi, Govindas said the Government has received no information about the incident.

"Information will be sought and actions will be taken up accordingly," he added.

Govindas said that the Chief Minister is open to talk with the COCOMI on their charter of demands.

The Chief Minister, during the press meet, reiterated that peace can only be achieved on the negotiating table.

"The Government alone cannot bring peace unless the public and the civil society organisations welcome it," the Chief Minister said, appealing to all stakeholders to come to the negotiating table to bring peace and solutions to all the issues facing the State.

Deputy CM Losii Dikho, Minister Kh Loken and several MLA were present in the press meet.

Comment