NRC's importance highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11 2026: A one-day consultative meeting on "Demographic threats in Manipur" was held at the TTA Smart Hall, Ukhrul today.

The event hosted by Hao Ngashan Pharime Long (HNPL) also saw the release of a Tangkhul patriotic song titled "Wake Up Youths," composed by Esau Makang and sponsored by Ashang Kasar.

The song is said to be dedicated to "youth volunteers protecting the homeland" .

Speaking as a resource person, Ashang Kasar expressed concern over emerging demographic threats in the indigenous lands of Manipur, stemming from illegal immigration.

He called upon community leaders and the public to remain vigilant and examine the policies of the Government of India concerning demographic changes, citizenship and indigenous rights.

Updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year could help detect illegal immigrants and protect the indigenous people, he said, underscoring the importance of the exercise.

Rejecting claims of ownership over lands by certain groups, Ashang said Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts were historically inhabited by Naga communities, and questioned why Naga elected representatives and civil society organisations have not, in his view, sufficiently raised the issues.

He called upon the people, particularly the youth, to remain alert and organized in safeguarding indigenous rights, land and identity.

He urged the participants to initiate a peaceful and democratic people's movement to address issues affecting the future of the indigenous communities.

Dr Paul Chawang, on the other hand, highlighted the Government's failures in the implementation of various development programmes in the hill areas.

He stressed the need to address corruption and improve transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Government and urged the public to critically examine the performance of their elected representatives and demand greater accountability from their leaders.

Dr Chawang also called upon the youth to become more active and responsible in shaping society, warning that failure to address corruption and governance issues could create greater challenges for future generations.

The meeting concluded with a renewed appeal for greater public awareness, unity, accountability and peaceful democratic participation in addressing the demographic, developmental and indigenous rights issues.

Esau Makang, Chairman, HNPL; Rev Phungkan, Pastor, Zingtoze Baptist Church, Ukhrul; members and representatives of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), TBCA and several civil bodies attended the event.

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