Imphal, Aug 31 (NNN): In a significant development, the central government on Monday deferred the Census operations in Manipur, a statement from the Manipur chief minister’s office said.
The decision came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi on Monday to assess the current situation in Manipur. The meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs was attended by Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, along with other senior officials, the statement also said.
The meeting discussed in detail the demand raised by the people of Manipur to defer the Census exercise in the State before the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). It agreed to defer the proposed Census exercise in the State considering the feelings and aspirations of the people of Manipur, the statement further said.
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders for listening to the voices of the people and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the State. He also thanked National BJP President Nitin Nabin for his continuous support in fulfilling the wishes of the people of Manipur, the statement added.
He also appreciated the efforts of the leaders of 14 civil society organisations and the delegation of BJP MLAs, who had recently campaigned in New Delhi for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. The Chief Minister said that their regular engagement with central leaders and officials has resulted in today’s decision.
Meanwhile, four Kuki villagers were killed allegedly by armed Naga groups in a village in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi village. According to reports, members of armed Naga groups started firing at villagers killing three on the spot and injuring two more. One of the injured later died.
