CNPO, NPO, others ask Govt to defer census
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 19 2026: The Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO), Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati, United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur and the Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development Association (KKSDDA) have asked the Government to defer census operations in Manipur until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is updated.

A press release issued by the CNPO said that Manipur is the ancestral homeland of indigenous communities whose identities, customary institutions, land rights and settlements have evolved through generations.

Unchecked cross-border influx and unverified settlements threaten this established demographic balance, and have serious implications for land, resources, representation and indigenous rights, the CNPO said.

Meanwhile, the UMPC said that the genuine concerns regarding illegal immigration and demographic changes must be addressed through a lawful and verifiable process.

At the same time, every bonafide citizen must be protected by law and given a fair opportunity to establish citizenship, it said.

CNPO, NPO and UMPC have urged the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to implement NRC in Manipur with 1951 as the base year; defer census until the NRC is completed, undertake delimitation only after the NRC process is completed, and review and de-recognise unauthorised settlements.

The CNPO categorically said that a census must reflect a verified demographic reality, not legitimise undocumented immigration or unauthorised settlement.

Meanwhile, the KKSDDA have expressed strong support to the UNC's position that implementation of the NRC must precede any census exercise in the State.

NRC must precede census operations so that the population data reflects only the verified citizens and provide a reliable foundation for indigenous people in terms of administrative planning, political representation and delimitation without creating fear, insecurity or uncertainty among genuine citizens, the KKSDDA said in a press release.

The KKSDDA has also expressed strong opposition to the three-day training programme for enumerators and supervisors in connection with the phase-I of Census 2027, scheduled to be held at Kasom Khullen from August 20 to 22 .

The NPO said that demographic changes, in a geographically small State like Manipur, triggered by unchecked and undocumented immigration from neighbouring countries has contributed to the social tensions and, if left unaddressed, may further aggravate ethnic conflicts.

Early implementation of a credible NRC, followed by the census will help safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the indigenous communities, address genuine demographic concerns, strengthen proper documentation of citizenship and contribute to long-term social stability and peace in Manipur, the NPO said in a press release.

Comment