Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand is exploring the possibility of implementing a model similar to Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. The CM plans to consult experts in Assam to gauge the feasibility of such a move, according to official sources.
Assam's NRC Experience
Assam implemented the NRC in 2019, a process aimed at identifying illegal immigrants and updating the citizen registry. The exercise, which excluded over 1.9 million people, was mired in controversy and legal challenges. However, some state governments have viewed it as a potential tool for managing demographic changes and internal security.
Consultation with Experts
Chief Minister Khemchand is expected to travel to Assam in the coming weeks to meet with policymakers, legal experts, and civil society members who were involved in the NRC process. The objective is to understand the administrative, legal, and social implications of replicating such an exercise in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Feasibility Study
A senior official in the Manipur government stated that the consultation is part of a broader feasibility study. "We are looking at various models to restore peace and ensure the rights of all communities. The NRC is one option, but we need to assess its practicality in our context," the official said.
The move comes amid renewed calls for a separate administration by some tribal groups and demands for stricter border controls to prevent influx from neighboring Myanmar. Manipur shares a porous border with Myanmar, and illegal immigration has been a contentious issue.
Reactions and Challenges
Political analysts have reacted cautiously to the proposal. While some argue that an NRC-like exercise could help address demographic anxieties, others warn that it may exacerbate tensions if not implemented transparently. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about potential statelessness and the humanitarian impact on vulnerable populations.
Next Steps
The CM's consultation with Assam experts is expected to conclude within a month, after which a detailed report will be submitted to the state cabinet. The government has not yet set a timeline for any potential implementation, emphasizing that the process is in its initial stages.
Manipur has been under a security clampdown since May 2023, when ethnic clashes first erupted, leading to over 200 deaths and displacing thousands. The state government has been under pressure from both the Centre and local groups to find a lasting solution.
