Heirok youths stage protest rally demanding NRC before Census
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, March 23 2026: In solidarity with the ongoing agitation spearheaded by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, youths of Heirok on Monday evening staged a protest rally demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be implemented before the conduct of the Census in Manipur.

The rally, organised by the Youths of Heirok, commenced from Heirok Part II Keithel and passed through various localities of Heirok Parts I, II and III, drawing participation from a large number of local residents, particularly youths.

During the rally, protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as "No NRC, No Census", "No Free Movement, No Census", "No IDP Settlement, No Census", "Save Life First, Blacktopped Later", "Violence is Not Over, Defer Census", among others.

Speaking on the sidelines of the rally, Youths of Heirok member L Risikanta stated that the protest witnessed spontaneous participation from the local youth without any formal mobilisation call, reflecting widespread concern over the government's move to conduct the Census amid the prevailing situation in the State.

He asserted that the Census should not be carried out before the implementation of NRC or similar mechanisms to identify illegal immigrants.

He further urged the government to prioritise the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by recent violence before undertaking any census exercise.

Risikanta cautioned that conducting the Census without first addressing issues such as identification and deportation of illegal immigrants could be perceived as a threat to the survival of smaller indigenous communities in Manipur.

He also warned that if the government proceeds with the Census without addressing these concerns, the people of Heirok, along with the people of the State, would intensify their agitation.

Comment