Manipur NRC Update Demand Intensifies as Thousands Rally in Imphal Ahead of Census
Imphal, June 8: Thousands of residents from different parts of Manipur took part in a large-scale rally in Imphal on Sunday, demanding the implementation and updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the conduct of the forthcoming census in the state.
The demonstration was organized by a joint platform of 14 civil society organisations under the banner of “14 CSOs Kangleipak.” The march commenced from Tiddim Ground in Imphal West and culminated at THAU Ground, where a public gathering was later held.
People from various walks of life, including students, youth groups, internally displaced persons (IDPs), artists, and representatives of indigenous communities, actively joined the rally. Participants carried placards and raised slogans urging authorities to update the NRC, arguing that it is necessary to safeguard indigenous identities and ensure accurate population records.
Addressing the gathering, coordinator Shanta Nahakpam stated that repeated demands for NRC updation in Manipur have not received sufficient attention from the Centre despite similar concerns being addressed in other parts of the country.
He also referred to the recent decision of the Union Government to establish a high-level committee tasked with examining demographic changes across different states and submitting its findings to the Ministry of Home Affairs within a year. According to Nahakpam, Manipur deserves special consideration due to its international border, ongoing peace-building efforts, and unique demographic challenges.
The coordinator further emphasized that updating the NRC should be completed before any future delimitation exercise. He warned that inaccurate population data could influence electoral representation and potentially affect the rights and interests of indigenous communities.
Nahakpam additionally called for the inclusion of a representative from the Manipur Government in the newly constituted committee, arguing that local participation would help provide a clearer understanding of the state’s ground realities.
Highlighting concerns regarding the India-Myanmar border, he alleged that illegal cross-border movement and trafficking networks have contributed to Manipur’s demographic concerns, making the state’s situation distinct from that of neighboring regions.
The rally concluded with participants reiterating their demand for an updated NRC and urging both the Central and State governments to address the issue before the census process begins.
