AIMS shares thoughts on World Population Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2025: On the occasion of World Population Day, Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) appealed to authorities concerned, civil society organi-satiohs, and youth of Manipur to work collectively in safeguarding the demographic rights and securing a just and inclusive future for indigenous people of Manipur.

In a release, AIMS secretary general O Amarjit Meitei appealed to the public to celebrate theme of the World Population Day 2025, "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world".

Drawing attention to population-related challenges in Manipur, particularly the issue of illegal immigration from neighbouring countries, he expressed grave concern that continuous and unchecked influx of non-indigenous populations, has led to significant demographic changes, posing direct threat to the identity, culture, and future of the indigenous people.

"AIMS strongly believe that conducting the next population census (2026) without identifying and excluding illegal immigrants would result in the legitimisation of such individuals as citizens of India and Manipur.

This would not only distort demographic records but also endanger the indigenous communities by undermining their political rights, cultural identity, land ownership, and access to public resources," pointed out the secretary.

He urged both state and central governments to take immediate and concrete steps to address this pressing concern and appealed for implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur prior to any census operation, to ensure that the distinction between indigenous and non-indigenous populations is clearly made.

He further demanded strengthening of the Manipur State Population Commission (MSPC) with proper institutional mechanisms, expert demographers, and adequate legal backing to monitor and guide population policy and data management effectively.

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