NRC first demand intensifies, campaign taken to schools, DMU, other places
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 17 2026: The movement demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur ahead of the commencement of the census exercise intensified today, as students clashed with security forces at Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) complex.

Protests were also reported at CC Higher Secondary School, Bishnu-pur and along Tiddim Road, with protesters demanding that illegal immigrants be identified first before any census-related activities are undertaken.

NRC first demand intensifies

DMU complex

The student wing of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) attempted to disrupt a training programme for census enumerators and supervisors held at the DM College of Teacher Education, DMU, under the supervision of the Directorate of Census, in accordance with the directions of the Government of India.

Following prior information that members of the JFD student wing might attempt to disrupt the training programme, security measures were tightened at the DMU complex and adjoining areas, with State and Central security forces deployed.

As anticipated, a number of students attempted to enter the DM College of Teacher Education complex, leading to an altercation between the protesters and security personnel.

In an attempt to disperse the protesting students, security forces resorted to lathi-charge.

The students, in turn, reportedly attempted to snatch lathis from the hands of security personnel, resulting in a heated stand-off.

Even as security personnel prevented the students from entering the premises, the protesters chanted slogans in unison that no census-related activities be undertaken until the NRC is updated.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the protest, Kharibam Reshma, a member of the JFD student wing, said they do not oppose the census exercise, but it should be conducted only after identifying all illegal immigrants settled in Manipur.

Conducting training sessions for census personnel without first updating the NRC is against the interests of the people, she said, adding that the Government's alleged attempt to proceed with the census without taking into consideration the demands of the JFD and the people is unfortunate.

Reshma also alleged that the use of force by security personnel against the protesters was excessive.

Claiming that some women protesters were hit on the head with sticks by security personnel, she said their protest was aimed only at safeguarding the future of the indigenous people of Manipur.

Tiddim Road

Raising a similar demand, the student wing of the JFD also organised a rally along Tiddim Road today.

The rally, which was participated by a large number of school and college students, commenced from Tiddim Ground at Kwakei-thel and proceeded towards Keishampat.

After reaching Keishampat Junction, the rally took a U-turn and culminated at Tiddim Ground.

Speaking on the occasion, Daniel Angom, coordinator of the JFD student wing, said the presence of a large number of illegal immigrants in Manipur is known to everyone.

He said the JFD had been consistently urging the Government to undertake the census exercise only after updating the NRC.

However, he alleged that the Government had disregarded the demand despite the threat posed by the presence of illegal immigrants to the indigenous people of Manipur.

He reiterated that the Census exercise should not be conducted until illegal immigrants are identified.

Bishnupur

Members of the JFD student wing also attempted to storm the Bishnupur Deputy Commissioner's (DC) complex and disrupt a training session for census officials.

A large number of students participated in a rally, demanding that illegal immigrants be identified and internally displaced persons (IDPs) rehabilitated before the census exercise is taken up.

The protesters were stopped by a police team, including women personnel, before three representatives from among the protesters were allowed to meet the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) .

Speaking on the occasion, Takhellambam Jenis, a member of the JFD student wing, said the census officials who attended the training programme should take responsibility for their participation, as they allegedly had reportedly been informed in advance not to attend the programme.

Apunba Nupi Lup, Bishnupur president L Pramo, said that the prevailing situation in Manipur is not conducive to conducting the census exercise.

She demanded that IDPs be resettled and NRC updated before undertaking any Census-related activities.

CC Hr Sec School

A protest demonstration was also staged in front of the gate of CC Higher Secondary School by members of the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and students.

The protesters demanded that the territorial integrity of Manipur be protected and that no census-related activities be undertaken until the NRC is updated.

Speaking to the media, AMSU organising secretary Thingbaijam Sonachand said the alleged plan of the Government of India to exchange a large tract of Manipur's territory with Myanmar is a serious matter.

He added that an unprecedented protest would be launched across Manipur if the Government proceeds with any such move that could compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur.