Imphal, Aug. 17 -- The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) has called a 48-hour general strike beginning at midnight on August 17, as protests intensified across Manipur over the government's decision to proceed with the Census without first updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Thousands of women vendors at Khwairamband Ima Keithel shut their shops and staged protests on August 17, demanding that illegal immigrants be identified before the enumeration process begins. A large rally was also held from Tiddim Road to Keishampat in the afternoon.

In Kakching district, JFD members and local women gathered at the Deputy Commissioner's office to submit a memorandum seeking deferment of the Census exercise.

Following the g...