COPMeV demands NRC before Census in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 01 2026:
The Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims' Moreh (COPMeV) has strongly opposed the move by the State and the Central governments to initiate Census and Delimitation processes amid the ongoing turmoil in Manipur.
In a press statement issued today, the committee asserted that no such exercises should be carried out until a correct and comprehensive database of the State's population is established.
It stressed that the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is essential prior to undertaking Census and Delimitation in Manipur.
The Committee pointed out that the current ethnic unrest in the State has further complicated the situation, while concerns over the alleged influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries remain a serious issue.
It also referred to the 2001 Census, stating that the inclusion of a significant number of outsiders had reportedly led to sharp rise in population in the hill districts.
According to COPMeV, these developments have had a substantial impact on the demographic composition and economic structure of the State.
Conducting Census and Delimitation without addressing such concerns, the committee warned, could lead to inaccuracies and further complications in representation.
Reiterating its demand, COPMeV urged the government to first carry out the NRC exercise to identify illegal immigrants and ensure an accurate population record.
Only after this process is completed, it stated, should Census and Delimitation be undertaken in Manipur.




