Thoubal, Bishnupur Meira Paibis hold torch rallies, demand NRC update before Census
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Bishnupur, August 20 2026: Large numbers of women took part in torch rallies at Khongjom in Thoubal district and Thamnapokpi, Naranseina, Sunushiphai and Phubala in Bishnupur district on Wednesday, demanding that the Census be conducted only after updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur.

At Khongjom, the Khongjom Circle Meira Paibi Lup organised a torch rally in the evening, with women from various parts of the circle gathering at the Khongjom War Memorial.

The protesters raised slogans including "No NRC, No Census" and "Without NRC, Census cannot be carried out".

Speaking during the protest, Lup secretary Mutum Nirmala urged the State Government to convene a special Assembly session and take a decision to update the NRC before proceeding with the Census.

She warned that if Census-related activities are undertaken in Khongjom Circle without prior updation of the NRC, the womenfolk would impose restrictions on such activities and extend support to any agitation or movement launched by the JFD .

Similar protests were held at several locations in Bishnupur district, opposing the conduct of Census and delimitation before NRC updation.

At Thamnapokpi, the torch rally was jointly organised by the Thamnapokpi Nupi Yaipha Marup and TYWC, Thamnapokpi.

Women formed a human chain along Tiddim Road, starting from Thamnapokpi Keithel, and raised slogans opposing the Government's move to conduct the Census before updating the NRC.

At Naranseina, members of the Naranseina Meira Paibi and local womenfolk took part in a torch rally that began at Naranseina Keithel.

The protesters marched towards Thamnapokpi before returning through adjoining areas of Naranseina and Sunushiphai and concluding at Naranseina Keithel.

The Sunushiphai Meira Paibi and Phubala Meira Paibi also organised torch rallies at their respective areas.

Protesters across the rallies raised slogans such as "No Census without NRC updation", "Protect the territorial integrity of Manipur" and "We condemn the Government's silence on the NRC issue".

Speaking in connection with the rally, Naranseina Meira Paibi executive member Sarangthem Kananbala said the protesters were not opposed to the Census but demanded that it be conducted only after the NRC is updated.

She said the JFD's demand for "No NRC, No Census" was reasonable and claimed that people of the State were supporting the movement.

Kananbala further expressed apprehension that conducting the Census without first updating the NRC could have serious long-term implications for the indigenous population of Manipur.

She said the demand was aimed at protecting future generations and added that conducting the NRC was the responsibility of the Government, but its silence on the issue had compelled people to raise their voices.

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