Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur government spokesperson Dr. Sapam Ranjan appealed to the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation on Saturday to freeze its September 30 deadline. He asked for more time to address the group's demands, which include finishing the National Register of Citizens process before the census begins. The state has already deferred its census operations.
Dr. Ranjan spoke from his residence in Konthoujam, Imphal West. He insisted that officials are treating the memorandum with the utmost seriousness. “The government is sincerely trying to put all of them into action,” he said. He further noted that the state and the activists remain in the same boat, urging cooperation rather than agitation for the state's future.
The JFD is demanding several time-bound actions by September 2026. These include strengthening the Manipur State Population Commission, publishing a white paper on illegal migration, and authenticating original 1951 records. They also want a new State Population Policy drafted by December 2026. The group maintains 1951 must remain the cut-off year for residency.
The JFD Women Wing recently wrapped up a campaign aimed at securing support from elected officials. They claim 18 MLAs have signed declarations backing their “No NRC, No Census” movement as of October 2. Recent signees include Thangjam Arunkumar of the 15-Wangkhei constituency, Kongkham Robindro Singh of 23-Mayang Imphal, Thongam Shanti Singh of 27-Moirang, and Soraisam Kebi Devi of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa.
Meanwhile, five civil society organizations, including AMUCO, AMAWOVA, PLMPAM, COHR, and MSF, held a public meeting at Pishumthong Keithel. Convener Sorokhaibam Sanjoy voiced strong opposition to the Special Intensive Revision 2026 and demanded the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The groups argued that the census should not proceed until the NRC is updated and demanded urgent rehabilitation for internally displaced persons.
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