CM said their continued engagement with central leaders and officials had contributed to the decision.

New Delhi, Aug 31, EKHON: The Centre on Monday decided to defer the Census exercise in Manipur following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, reviewed the prevailing situation in the northeastern state and discussed the demand from sections of the people of Manipur to defer the Census until the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The meeting was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials. After detailed deliberations, the Centre agreed to defer the proposed Census exercise in the state, taking into consideration the “feelings and aspirations” of the people of Manipur.

Welcoming the decision, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and other central leaders for listening to the concerns of the people of Manipur and responding to their demands.

The Chief Minister also thanked BJP national president Nitin Nabin for his continued support on the issue.

Khemchand Singh appreciated the efforts of leaders of 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) and a delegation of BJP MLAs who had recently visited New Delhi to press for the implementation of the NRC in Manipur. He said their continued engagement with central leaders and officials had contributed to Monday’s decision.

Appealing for restraint, the Chief Minister said bandhs and general strikes would not help in resolving the state’s demands and could instead cause additional hardship to the common people. He urged civil society organisations to continue engaging in dialogue and cooperate with the administration in addressing the socio-political challenges facing the state.

“The government is for the people,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that issues concerning the state should be discussed with the government to find better solutions.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that both the Manipur government and the Union government remained committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of the state.