Manipur: 16 Political Groups Request Central Government to Postpone Delimitation Until 2026
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Synopsis
On March 25, leaders from 16 political parties in Manipur convened to request a postponement of delimitation until 2026, aligning with national census updates. They emphasized the necessity of addressing census errors and the ongoing ethnic conflict in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 16 political parties in Manipur demand postponement of delimitation.
- Delimitation should wait for 2026 and corrections to the 2001 census.
- Ethnic conflict since May 3, 2023 complicates the situation.
- Parties plan to engage in ongoing Supreme Court proceedings.
- Need for a stable environment before proceeding with delimitation.
Imphal, March 25 (NationPress) Leaders from 16 political parties in Manipur convened a crucial meeting on Tuesday, calling on the Central government to postpone the delimitation of constituencies until 2026, coinciding with the national delimitation process based on the latest census figures.
CPI-M Manipur state leader Kshetrimayum Santa, one of the meeting's convenors, noted the absence of the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress during the session held at the National People’s Party (NPP) headquarters in Uripok, Imphal.
“The assembly resolved that delimitation in Manipur should be deferred until the errors in the 2001 census are rectified. We also agreed to urge the Central government to delay the delimitation until 2026, which aligns with the national census,” Santa informed the media post-meeting.
He further stated that due to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur since May 3, 2023, conducting delimitation is currently infeasible.
“If delimitation were to proceed in Manipur, it could lead to serious disruptions in public order. Thus, it is not a viable option,” the Left leader emphasized.
The meeting also resolved that all political factions in Manipur would participate in the ongoing legal proceedings at the Supreme Court, aiming to present the challenges posed by public disturbances and the ongoing conflict.
“We will take appropriate measures to comply with the Supreme Court's directives regarding delimitation,” Santa remarked.
This assembly of 16 political parties follows a recent ruling from the Supreme Court, mandating the completion of pending delimitation processes in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam within three months.
Attendees included representatives from parties such as AAP, BSP, CPI-M, NPP, CPI, JD-U, Naga People’s Front, RPI-A, AIFB, Trinamool Congress, NCP, NCP (SP), SP, RSP, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), and Manipur People’s Party.
The absence of the BJP and Congress, key players in the state's politics, was a point of concern. Nonetheless, participating parties reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining stability in the state and ensuring that the delimitation process does not exacerbate the fragile situation.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity among Manipur's political entities in opposing the delimitation until conditions in the state stabilize.
In a related development, Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to implement a fair, transparent, and inclusive delimitation process in the state.
In his letter, he also requested that the Union Home Minister initiate the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in the state and eliminate all ineligible voters from electoral rolls before the delimitation is carried out.
The Manipur government, under former Chief Minister Biren Singh, has repeatedly called for the NRC's initiation to prevent illegal infiltration from neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar.
Imo Singh reiterated the need for a fair, transparent, and inclusive delimitation process in Manipur.
