Guwahati: Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has rejected demands by Meitei groups for National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be compiled before the census in Manipur, arguing that demographic issues should first be addressed using verified population data.KZC called upon all stakeholders to allow the census to proceed without obstruction, respect Central govt’s authority over NRC and refrain from “using demographic issues as instruments of communal propaganda or victimisation”.“KZC welcomes the decennial census process initiated by the Central govt, which was postponed from 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the falsehoods and propaganda surrounding our population and demographic status during the Manipur conflict, an impartial census is essential to establish facts and dispel unfounded claims,” KZC said in a media release issued on Sunday.“KZC also welcomes delimitation to ensure fair representation based on verified demographic data,” KZC, the apex body of leading Kuki-Zo organisations, added.Regarding NRC, KZC reiterated that it is a national exercise and that there is no provision for any community or state govt to unilaterally initiate or conduct a separate NRC in a particular state at its discretion.“There is no legitimate basis for any Manipur-based group or the state govt to dictate the timing or implementation of the national NRC exercise,” KZC said.“The demand for an NRC before the census appears to be based largely on unsubstantiated allegations and speculation concerning the Kuki-Zo community. Such claims should be assessed against credible demographic data,” it added.KZC further said since the census was the appropriate source for such data, demanding an NRC before the completion of Census 2027 and publication of its results was premature and unjustified.Referring to NRC updating exercise conducted in Assam, KZC said the exercise excluded around 19 lakh people and could not be brought to finality amid ongoing legal challenges.“Those demanding a similar exercise in Manipur should first consider its complexity, implications, and consequences,” KZC said.
