Centre can resolve Manipur issues in 2-3 months with political will: Congress

Manipur Congress president O Ibobi Singh on Thursday challenged the Centre's resolve on implementing critical administrative measures in the northeastern state, arguing that resource constraints are not the barrier to addressing long-pending issues. "If the central government wants, the implementation of NRC in Manipur is not an issue," Singh told reporters, suggesting that political will rather than technical difficulties is the primary obstacle.

Singh, a former chief minister, stressed that the National Register of Citizens should be updated before Census 2027 is conducted in the state, and indicated willingness to consider constitutional amendments if necessary. "Ours is a very small state. If the Union government is determined and committed, be it NRC or any other issue, it is only a matter of two-three months to resolve it," he said.

His comments come as representatives from multiple civil society organizations in Manipur departed for New Delhi on Thursday to advocate their position directly to Union ministers and BJP leadership. The delegations are emphasizing the urgency of completing NRC updation ahead of the scheduled 2027 Census in the state.

Singh's remarks underscore growing frustration among Manipur's political and civil society circles over the pace of implementation of contentious administrative procedures. The Congress leader contended that the core issue lies not in technical feasibility but in what he described as the Centre's apparent indifference to the aspirations of Manipur's population.