Imphal: The federal government will likely stall the national Census in Manipur before the state Assembly session kicks off on September 2. Representatives from 14 civil society organizations returned to Imphal on Friday after lobbying officials in New Delhi. They met with Intelligence Bureau agents and the North East security adviser starting August 20.
Delegates representing Meitei, Naga, and Meitei Pangal groups pushed for a full update of the National Register of Citizens. They fear current demographic shifts threaten indigenous interests. Shanta Nahakpam, spokesperson for the delegation, confirmed the group pressured authorities to curb the presence of illegal immigrants. The coalition views the upcoming Census as a potential threat to data accuracy. "The demand for implementing the NRC in Manipur was reiterated in each meeting," Nahakpam stated.
The group expects the central government to halt the Census process shortly. However, the delegation is now calling for a formal tripartite sit-down. This meeting must include the Manipur state government, the Centre, and local leaders. They plan to map out exactly how to track and handle undocumented individuals. Whether the state relies on the Foreigners Act or the NRC remains a key sticking point. Officials must decide the path forward with all stakeholders involved.
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