Calls for Census Postponement Grow in Manipur Amid NRC Demands and Unrest

Widespread demands for the postponement of the upcoming Census in Manipur have intensified, with both political leaders and community groups calling for the completion of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) first. The first phase of Census 2027, specifically the house listing operation, is scheduled to begin on September 1 for 30 days, with a self enumeration facility available from August 17 to August 31.

In Delhi, Congress MP A. Bimol Akoijam formally sought the postponement of the exercise, citing the displacement of nearly 60,000 people and the destruction of over 10,000 houses since violence began on May 3, 2023. Akoijam argued that accurate house listing is practically impossible while thousands remain in relief camps. He also called for the NRC process to be completed before the Census to address illegal migration across the Myanmar border.

Simultaneously, protests have disrupted daily life in several valley districts. The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), a Meitei group, called a 48 hour shutdown and a boycott of government institutions starting Thursday. The JFD and other groups, including the North Indigenous Women’s Organisation, are demanding an NRC to identify undocumented migrants who settled in the state after 1951. Kuki organisations have countered these demands, accusing Meiteis of attempting to label them as undocumented immigrants.

The Manipur government has previously passed unanimous resolutions in August 2022 and March 2024 seeking an NRC before the Census due to demographic imbalances. Former chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh stated that he received a positive response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding these demands. Reports indicate that tensions have escalated between protesters and security forces at several locations, including Lamlong market and Kwakeithel, while attendance at government institutions has remained low.