Delimitation in Manipur: Why NRC Must Precede the Redrawing of Electoral Boundaries

Chittaranjan Meitram *

The upcoming delimitation exercise in Manipur has triggered widespread debates and anxieties across communities.

While delimitation aims to ensure equal representation based on population changes, its implementation in Manipur - an ethnically sensitive and strategically located border state—warrants careful scrutiny. Without verifying citizenship status, the risk of manipulating electoral outcomes due to illegal immigration becomes dangerously high.

Delimitation, in essence, is the redrawing of boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies to reflect population shifts. The Delimitation Commission, formed under the Constitution, functions independently and its decisions are final.

The process is based on the principle of “One Vote, One Value,” to ensure democratic parity. However, when demographics are influenced by undocumented migration, as is the case in Manipur, delimitation could distort rather than enhance democratic representation.

Illegal Immigration: A Silent Crisis

Since 2006, Manipur has experienced a surge in illegal immigration from Myanmar, driven by internal conflict against the military Junta. The porous Indo-Myanmar border has allowed waves of undocumented migrants to settle in remote hill regions. As of May 7, 2024, the Manipur government officially detected 5,457 illegal immigrants in the Kamjong district, with 5,173 of them recorded with biometric data.

In 2023, the state government formed a committee to review illegal villages. During this review, 2,480 illegal immigrants were found, but further actions were stalled due to the outbreak of violence in the state. Reports indicate that over 10,000 illegal immigrants have entered the state in recent years.

Rapid and unnatural population growth has been particularly visible in Churachandpur, Kamjong, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, and Chandel—all hill districts now witnessing a mushrooming of undocumented settlements.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh pointed out that 996 new villages have emerged since 2006, attributing this "unnatural growth" to illegal immigration. These unrecognized settlements, mostly in unsurveyed areas, are reshaping the demographic balance of the state—posing a serious threat to the indigenous population.

The Danger of Delimitation Without NRC

The current delimitation is based on outdated 2001 Census data. Without the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to distinguish citizens from non-citizens, delimitation may grant political representation based on an inflated, illegal population base.

Manipur’s 60-member Legislative Assembly is divided into 40 seats in the valley and 20 in the hills, of which 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes under Article 371-C. Political power in the hills is presently shared between Kuki and Naga communities, with 10 MLAs each.

However, if illegal immigration continues to impact the population structure, particularly in Kuki-dominated areas, this balance may shift—marginalizing the Naga community and distorting true democratic representation.

Moreover, the possibility of reassigning valley constituencies like Thoubal and Jiribam—currently part of Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency—to Inner Manipur, could further weaken valley representation.

Proposals for a third Lok Sabha seat may appear progressive, but if boundaries are redrawn based on demographic shifts caused by undocumented immigration, it would threaten Manipur’s political integrity and ethnic balance.

A Call for Responsible Governance

The Meitei community in the valley, and the Naga community in the hills, must both be alert to these developments. If delimitation results in decreased seats for indigenous communities, there must be a collective and peaceful demand for fairness and transparency.

Delimitation should not reward illegal settlement; it should reinforce democratic equity. The implementation of NRC is an essential precondition before delimitation. Only after verifying the authenticity of the state’s population can a just and inclusive electoral map be drawn.

A United Voice for Manipur

The youths of Manipur must rise above ethnic lines and unite in demanding, “NRC First, Then Delimitation.” This is not merely about political representation; it is about protecting the identity, rights, and future of Manipur’s indigenous people.

Delimitation done right can promote equal development. Done wrong, it could fracture the social fabric of the state. The time to act is now—before demographic distortion becomes democratic disaster.