Manipur Women Vendors Threaten Mass Strike Over Census Demands

Imphal: Women vendors at Khwairamband Ima Keithel staged a sit-in on Monday to demand the government hold off on the upcoming Census. They want a finalized National Register of Citizens before any count begins in Manipur. Protesters marched under slogans including No NRC, No Census and No IDP Settlement, No Census.

Kshetrimayum Shanti, president of the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinfam Amadi Shaktam Kanba Lup, demanded the state issue a formal white paper confirming the delay. She warned that failing to get a response by the end of Monday would trigger an indefinite protest across all local markets. She stated, "The women were seeking a clear and favourable response from the State Government regarding the deferment of the Census."

JFD Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba joined the protest. He claimed the movement is not targeting any specific group. Instead, he argued the effort aims to protect the state and its residents. Ningomba warned that a general strike starts September 1 if the government ignores the deadline. He added that the state will bear full responsibility for any fallout if they refuse to act.