Rajya Sabha member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has intensified calls for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. Speaking in the upper house of Parliament on Thursday, the MP asserted that the NRC is crucial for identifying and deporting illegal immigrants from the state, thereby safeguarding Manipur from a potentially destabilizing demographic imbalance.
Leishemba emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, citing concerns about the influx of undocumented individuals and their impact on the state’s sociopolitical landscape. He argued that the NRC, a citizen verification process, is the most effective tool to distinguish between genuine Indian citizens and illegal entrants.
“The demographic integrity of Manipur is under threat,” Leishemba stated, highlighting the perceived need to protect the indigenous population’s rights and interests. He stressed that the implementation of the NRC is not intended to target any specific community but rather to ensure the accurate identification and deportation of those residing illegally in the state.
The BJP MP’s demand comes amidst ongoing discussions and debates surrounding immigration in Northeast India, a region that shares porous borders with neighboring countries. The issue of illegal immigration has been a sensitive and contentious topic, with concerns raised about its impact on local resources, cultural identity, and political representation.
The call for the NRC in Manipur reflects the growing political pressure to address perceived demographic changes and strengthen border security. The implementation of such a measure, however, is likely to be met with both support and opposition, raising complex questions about citizenship, human rights, and regional stability.
