IMPHAL/NEW DELHI – Seeking to address long-standing demographic and security concerns, Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to implement constitutional protections for the 40 assembly seats in the Imphal Valley.
In a detailed letter dated April 13, 2026, Singh—who represents the Sagolband constituency—outlined a roadmap for stability, including a dedicated crackdown on terror outfits and significant reforms to the state’s electoral and census processes.
Justice for Victims of Bomb Attack
A primary focus of the communication was the tragic death of two siblings—a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl—who were killed in their sleep during a bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7.
While acknowledging that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken up the case, Singh emphasized the need for a time-bound investigation.
“Timely action in this regard will not only restore public confidence but also reinforce the rule of law in the region,” the MLA stated.
Preserving Indigenous Representation
Singh raised the “structurally significant” issue of the 40 assembly seats in the valley region. Currently classified as general or open seats, Singh argued that they require constitutional safeguards to protect the indigenous population.
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The Rationale: With specific seats already reserved for hill areas, Singh argues that protecting the 40 valley seats is essential to prevent “demographic imbalance” and preserve the region’s socio-cultural identity.
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Delimitation Concerns: He urged the Centre to rectify anomalies in the voter list, including the removal of “bogus or fake voters,” before any delimitation exercise begins.
Census and Citizenship Safeguards
The MLA also cautioned against proceeding with the national census in Manipur until internally displaced persons (IDPs) are relocated from relief camps to their original homes. He highlighted that the recent ethnic conflict would make accurate house-listing nearly impossible under current conditions.
Furthermore, Singh touched upon the integrity of identity documentation:
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National Register of Citizens (NRC): Reiteration of the need for an NRC to identify illegal immigrants.
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Aadhaar Integrity: Singh noted that the state government previously uncovered 65,000 fake Aadhaar cards. He advised that Manipur must clean up these discrepancies before linking voter IDs with the national identification system to ensure a “transparent and reliable system.”
Summary of Key Requests to the Centre:
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Terror Crackdown: A comprehensive operation against militant groups.
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Constitutional Protection: Safeguarding the 40 valley assembly seats for indigenous people.
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Census Deferral: Postponing the census until IDPs are properly resettled.
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Electoral Purge: Removing fake voters and illegal immigrants from the state’s registry.
