JFD Convenor Jeetendra Ningombam Summoned Over General Strike in Manipur

Imphal, India Aug 21, 2026 ALN: Just Fair Delimitation (JFD) Convenor Jeetendra Ningombam appeared before Porompat Police in Imphal East on Friday in connection with a suo motu FIR registered over the 48-hour general strike called by the organisation in support of its demand for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census.

According to the FIR registered at Porompat Police Station, police received information through social media at around 8.30 pm on August 17 about the 48-hour general strike scheduled from midnight of August 17 to midnight of August 19. The strike was a significant move by the JFD, a group advocating for the rights of the indigenous people of Manipur, aiming to ensure that the NRC is implemented prior to the upcoming Census in 2026. The NRC is a register that aims to document all legal citizens of India, and its implementation has been a contentious issue in various states, particularly in the northeastern region.

The FIR stated that the strike had been called by the JFD against the State Government's conduct of the 2026 Census without first undertaking the NRC exercise and in opposition to the ongoing training programme for Census enumerators. The JFD argues that conducting the Census without the NRC could lead to discrepancies in identifying citizens, potentially impacting the political representation and allocation of resources in the state.

It further stated that the strike could disturb the general public, school students, and government establishments. The police expressed concerns that such a strike could lead to disruptions in daily life, particularly affecting students who rely on educational institutions and citizens who depend on government services. The potential for unrest is heightened in Manipur, where ethnic tensions and demands for recognition by various groups have historically led to protests and strikes.

Porompat Police subsequently registered FIR No. 240(08)2026 PRT-PS suo motu under Sections 189, 189(2), 191(2), 351(1), 351(2), and 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The FIR, registered on August 17 at 9.40 pm, identifies the place of occurrence as the Porompat Police Station jurisdiction in Imphal East and records the nature of information as “suo motu.” This indicates that the police acted on their own initiative rather than in response to a complaint, highlighting the proactive stance taken by law enforcement in addressing potential public disorder.

The FIR names Sub-Inspector Laishram Premjit Singh as the informant and records his occupation as Sub-Inspector of Porompat Police Station. Sub-Inspector Md. Riyajuddin was assigned to investigate the case. In the section containing details of known, suspected, or unknown accused, the FIR lists “Member of JFD” rather than naming Ningombam, suggesting that the police are viewing the strike as a collective action rather than attributing responsibility to a single individual.

Following the registration of the case, the Officer-in-Charge of Porompat Police Station issued a notice under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to Ningombam, directing him to appear at the police station at 10.30 am on August 21 for examination in connection with FIR No. 240(08)2026 PRT-PS. The notice, dated August 20, identifies Ningombam as the Convenor of the JFD, indicating the police's recognition of his leadership role within the organization.

Ningombam appeared before Porompat Police on Friday as directed. Speaking to The Assam Tribune over the phone, Ningombam said the Officer-in-Charge of Porompat Police Station sought his cooperation in reducing violence-related incidents amid the prevailing situation. This request reflects the ongoing tensions in Manipur, where various groups have been vocal about their rights and demands, often leading to confrontations with authorities.

According to Ningombam, the police officer appealed to him to extend cooperation and help prevent any further escalation of the situation. This dialogue between Ningombam and the police underscores the complexities of maintaining public order while addressing the grievances of various community groups in the region.

Ningombam further said that after appearing before Porompat Police, he received another summons from Imphal West Police, directing him to appear at around 5 pm on Friday. This additional summons indicates that the police are broadening their inquiry and may be looking to gather more information regarding the JFD's activities and plans.

He said the police action came a day after police teams visited his residence and that of another JFD office-bearer, Sunil Karam. This suggests that the authorities are closely monitoring the organization and its leaders, potentially viewing them as key figures in the ongoing agitation regarding the NRC and Census.

The FIR records that the case was dispatched to the court on August 17. This procedural step indicates that the police are taking the matter seriously and are prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.

The development comes amid an intensifying agitation by the JFD over its demand that the NRC exercise be completed before the Census. Earlier, JFD announced a fresh phase of agitation from Thursday, including a boycott of State and Central government offices, while exempting essential services such as health, education, electricity, and water supply. This strategy aims to maximize pressure on the government while minimizing disruption to vital services, reflecting a calculated approach to their protests. The JFD's actions are part of a broader narrative in Manipur, where issues of identity, citizenship, and governance continue to spark significant debate and activism.

As the situation evolves, the implications of the JFD's demands and the government's response will be closely watched, as they could have far-reaching effects on the political landscape of Manipur and the broader northeastern region of India. The demand for the NRC, in particular, raises questions about the rights of various communities in the state, and how the government navigates these complex issues will be crucial in maintaining social harmony and addressing the concerns of its citizens.