Centre defers census in Manipur ; Khemchand extends gratitude to PM, HM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2026: Following strong pressure from different quarters, the Government of India has agreed to defer census operations in Manipur.

A decision to this effect was adopted at a high-level meeting held today in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the chair.

The meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs was attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials.

The meeting discussed in detail the demand raised by the people of Manipur to defer the census exercise in the State until the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) .

Centre defers census in Manipur Khemchand extends gratitude to PM, HM

The meeting agreed to defer the scheduled census exercise in the State considering the sentiment and aspirations of the people of Manipur, informed a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

Following the meeting, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other Central leaders for listening to the voice of the people and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the State.

He also thanked BJP National president Nitin Nabin for his continuous support in fulfilling the wishes of the people of Manipur.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of the leaders of 14 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the delegation of BJP MLAs, who had recently campaigned in New Delhi for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur.

The Chief Minister said that their regular engagement with Central leaders and officials has resulted in today's decision.

Asserting that bandhs and general strikes will not help in pressing demands before the Government but would cause more hardship to the common people, the Chief Minister urged civil society groups to continue dialogue and extend full cooperation to the administration in addressing the socio-political challenges of the State.

The Government is for the people and any issue should be consulted with the Government for getting a better solution, he said.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that both the Manipur Government and the Union Government remain committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the State.