Manipur activists pause protests following government assurances on census

Imphal: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) pulled back its intensive protests across Manipur. The group demands action on the upcoming Census 2027 and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). JFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba confirmed the move at the Citizens Club. He credited sustained public pressure for forcing the government to defer the house-listing phase of the census.

The Manipur Legislative Assembly already passed a resolution pushing the Centre to update the NRC before starting the census. The JFD still wants a 1951-based NRC, a full staff for the Manipur State Population Commission, a state population policy, and a white paper on the NRC process. Government spokesperson Dr. Sapam Ranjan stated on October 3 that officials would ask the Centre to delay census work entirely. The government claimed it has already started work to strengthen the commission, write the policy, and draft the white paper.

Ningomba issued a blunt warning about the pause. He said, "The movement could be intensified again if the government fails to make satisfactory progress on the commitments." Routine sit-ins will carry on for now as the JFD watches for results.

Support arrived from four political figures on Monday. Former chief minister Nongthombam Biren, along with MLAs Dinganglung Gangmei, Khumukcham Joykisan, and RK Imo, backed the demand to update the NRC first. The JFD Women’s Wing secured these pledges by handing over a five-point memorandum during meetings with the legislators. The campaign remains ready to mobilize again if the state falters on its word.