IMPHAL, March 24: In response to the Supreme Court’s directive for completing the delimitation process in Manipur within three months, BJP MLA RK Imo Singh from Sagolband AC has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting several key concerns to ensure a transparent and fair exercise.
Singh’s letter emphasizes the completion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, which would help distinguish between genuine citizens and illegal immigrants. He stresses that the NRC must be finalized to ensure that only bonafide citizens are represented within the democratic structure.
The MLA also raised concerns over the need to identify and remove illegal immigrants and fraudulent voters from the electoral rolls. He commended the government’s ongoing efforts in this regard and urged swift completion to maintain electoral integrity. Singh further highlighted the issue of 65,000 fake Aadhaar cards, uncovered during a drive led by former CM N. Biren Singh, which posed a significant threat to the rights of indigenous people in the region.
In his letter, Singh also called for constitutional protection for indigenous people in the 40 Valley Seats in Manipur, which are currently not reserved, despite similar reservations for hill areas. He emphasized that these 40 seats are crucial for maintaining the socio-cultural identity of the indigenous population and preventing demographic imbalances. Singh urged the Union Home Minister to direct the Delimitation Commission to address these issues before proceeding with the delimitation process, stressing the need for a comprehensive and fair approach that would foster public trust and contribute to peace and stability in the region.
Singh’s call for a transparent delimitation comes at a time when concerns over demographic changes, voter list discrepancies, and security challenges are at the forefront of Manipur’s political discourse. Whether the central government will act on his suggestions remains uncertain, but his appeal reflects growing anxieties about the upcoming delimitation exercise.
