Guwahati: The Supreme Court's recent directive granting the Union Government three months to conduct the delimitation exercise in four northeastern states, including Manipur, has sparked concerns among social and political activists in the state.

They argued that implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) should take precedence over delimitation.

Social activist Sanjoy Ahanthem termed the Supreme Court's decision "unfortunate and untimely" for Manipur, emphasizing the need to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar before redrawing electoral boundaries.

The Manipur government has already set up a Population Commission to determine the state's indigenous population and identify illegal immigrants, with the 1961 Inner Line Permit serving as the base year.

N Nara Singh, former cabinet minister and leader of the CPI Manipur State Council, echoed Ahanthem's sentiments, reiterating his party's long-standing demand for three Lok Sabha constituencies in Manipur.

Activists and political leaders in the state are pushing for a structured approach, ensuring proper identification of citizens before any delimitation process begins.

The Supreme Court's decision comes after a petition was filed seeking delimitation in the four northeastern states, citing the President's 2020 order rescinding the deferment of delimitation in these states.