Cautioning against disruptive measures, Mr Khemchand Singh said that bandhs and general strikes would not help in advancing legitimate demands and would only cause greater hardship to ordinary citizens. He urged civil society groups to continue dialogue and extend full cooperation to the administration in addressing the state’s socio-political challenges. — Internet

Guwahati: The ministry of home affairs on Monday deferred the proposed Census operations in Manipur. The decision followed a high-level review meeting chaired by union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to assess the current situation in the state.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of home affairs, was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, union home secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials. Discussions focused on the demand from the people of Manipur to postpone the Census exercise until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is implemented. Taking into account the sentiments and aspirations of the people, the meeting decided to defer the Census in the state.

Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah and other central leaders for responding to the voices of the people. He also thanked BJP National President Nitin Nabin for his continued support. The chief minister appreciated the efforts of leaders from 14 civil society organisations and a delegation of BJP MLAs who had recently campaigned in New Delhi for the implementation of the NRC in Manipur. He said that their sustained engagement with central leaders and officials had contributed to the decision.

Cautioning against disruptive measures, Mr Khemchand Singh said that bandhs and general strikes would not help in advancing legitimate demands and would only cause greater hardship to ordinary citizens. He urged civil society groups to continue dialogue and extend full cooperation to the administration in addressing the state’s socio-political challenges. “The government is for the people, and any issues of the state should be discussed with the government to find better solutions,” he said.

The chief minister reaffirmed that both the Manipur government and the union government remain committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state.

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