Imphal: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation is ramping up its agitation. Leaders demand that the government update the National Register of Citizens using 1951 as the base year. Finance Secretary Sunil Karam spoke at a gathering in Pungdongbam. He warned that moving forward with the census now could help outsiders claim Indian citizenship.
Karam specifically targeted 10 Kuki MLAs. He accused them of blocking efforts to resolve what the group calls the frontline issue. If Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand cannot handle these lawmakers, the government must step in. Karam said: "The 10 Kuki MLAs were opposed to resolving the issue."
Pressure remains high. Police recently released three JFD volunteers arrested on September 11. Saka Maring, Govind, and Seram Surjit were cuffed after trying to lock the Porompat SDO Office. The group remains defiant. They promised that the movement will continue until officials meet their demands.
Task Force member Ch. Meghachandra dismissed claims that arrests will kill the cause. He cautioned that blocking the public will only trigger more anger. He also demanded answers about recent government talks with the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati. The group wants to know if the state will remove people who cannot prove their residency status under the 1951 timeline.
Updated at 13th September 2026 at 5:48pm
Manipur government spokesperson Sapam Ranjan Singh has called for the JFD to halt its office shutdown campaign. Singh argued that the protests hamper public services and urged the group to seek unity rather than block essential operations. He confirmed that the state is pushing the Centre for the 1951-based NRC, noting that Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam is currently in Delhi to press the matter.
The government maintains that the legislative assembly has already reaffirmed its push for the NRC. Officials pointed out that the census process has already been delayed following pressure from civil society groups and subsequent government action. Addressing other state unrest, Singh also condemned a recent fatal shooting in Tamenglong district, stating that the Chief Minister is monitoring the situation with local authorities.
Updated at 13th September 2026 at 9:49pm
MLA Thokchom Radheshyam joined the government push for an early NRC start today. He clarified that while the state has exhausted its local jurisdictional reach, the ultimate trigger for the census lies with New Delhi. He emphasized that the government effort did not stop at the floor of the Assembly, noting that Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam is currently working with a delegation of MLAs to secure a meeting with the Union Home Minister.
Regarding the deadly violence in Tamenglong district, officials confirmed the shooting left a woman dead and injured her husband and son. The Chief Minister is actively coordinating with district authorities to manage the aftermath.
Updated at 14th September 2026 at 1:48am
Government spokespersons confirmed that the current wave of office shutdowns stems from a JFD ultimatum. The group had set September 10 as the deadline for the administration to force the Centre's hand on the NRC. When that date passed without results, the group launched their protest at state and central offices the following morning.
Addressing the ongoing crisis, officials noted that Manipur has struggled with instability for over three years. They warned that the JFD's tactics are now worsening public hardship and hindering the very state functions they claim to protect.
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