Imphal, May 2026: Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has defended his government's efforts toward implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, asserting that a series of concrete measures were initiated between 2022 and 2024 to address concerns over illegal immigration and demographic changes.
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| Former Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh. (File Photo) |
In a post on X, Singh rejected allegations that his administration had failed to act on the issue, stating that official records clearly demonstrate the government's commitment to introducing the NRC in Manipur. He said the process began with the unanimous adoption of Resolution No. 129 by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 5, 2022, which called for the establishment of a State Population Commission and the implementation of the NRC in the state.
According to Singh, the resolution reflected a collective decision of the Assembly rather than a unilateral government initiative. He noted that the proposal was debated and formally approved on the floor of the House, laying the foundation for subsequent administrative action.
The former Chief Minister further stated that the government acted on the resolution by constituting the Manipur State Population Commission in 2023. The commission, he said, was entrusted with examining population trends, demographic changes, and related issues affecting the state. Its work was intended to provide the necessary data and policy framework to support future implementation of the NRC.
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Singh also pointed out that the Manipur Legislative Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the NRC in March 2024, describing it as evidence of a consistent and sustained policy approach. He argued that the sequence of legislative resolutions and administrative measures demonstrated that the government had moved beyond mere announcements and had taken practical steps toward achieving its objectives.
Responding to critics, Singh said claims that his government had done "nothing" regarding the NRC were misleading and ignored documented actions taken during his tenure. He accused some of his detractors of attempting to discredit the initiatives undertaken to regulate population growth, strengthen demographic monitoring, and safeguard the interests of the people of Manipur.
The former Chief Minister maintained that his administration remained committed to addressing demographic concerns through constitutional and legal mechanisms, emphasizing that the measures taken were aimed at protecting the state's social and cultural fabric while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
