IImphal: In a significant appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Meitei Alliance, a global consortium of Meitei civil society organisations, has demanded the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before the state undergoes the delimitation process as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The Alliance, formed in November 2023 in response to the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, submitted a six-point memorandum to the PM, warning that conducting delimitation without addressing security and demographic concerns could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in the strife-torn state.
A fragile peace
The Meitei Alliance highlighted its recent Six-Point Agreement signed with the Thadou Inpi Manipur (the apex body of Manipur’s largest Scheduled Tribe) on March 7, 2025, as a crucial step toward reconciliation. However, they expressed deep concerns over the Supreme Court’s directive to complete delimitation within three months, fearing it could disrupt the fragile peace.
“If executed without first addressing key security issues, this exercise risks derailing the hard-earned stability that our children and youth desperately need,” the memorandum stated.
Key demands before delimitation
The Alliance’s demands include
Restoring law & order – Action against perpetrators of violence, particularly the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), accused of instigating clashes on March 8, 2025, to obstruct free movement of citizens.
Abrogation of SoO with Kuki militants – The group alleges that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki militants has been misused to threaten peace efforts.
NRC Updation in Manipur – A context-specific NRC framework to safeguard bona fide citizens and ensure political stability and communal harmony.
Appeal for dialogue & national security
The Meitei Alliance, which includes diaspora associations worldwide, has sought an audience with PM Modi to present a comprehensive peace framework aligned with India’s Act East Policy.
“We stand ready to support your vision for Manipur’s stability,” the memorandum read, urging the Centre to prioritize national security and unity before any administrative changes.
With the Supreme Court deadline looming, the ball is now in the Centre’s court—will delimitation proceed as scheduled, or will the government first address the NRC and security concerns?
For now, Manipur waits anxiously for Delhi’s response.
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