Bimol urges Centre to defer census
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2026: Lok Sabha MP Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has once again urged the Union Government to defer the Census in Manipur and any subsequent delimitation exercise until conditions necessary for a credible enumeration are restored.

In his latest letter dated 19 August 2026 to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the MP, in a statement, recalled that he had raised the matter in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377 on 30 March 2026, followed by a detailed letter seeking deferment of the census and delimitation until a credible citizenship-verification process, including the National Register of Citizens (NRC), is undertaken and a Foreigners Tribunal for Manipur is established.

Prof Bimol reiterated that the situation in Manipur remains unsuitable for a credible census, citing the continued displacement of nearly 60,000 people, the spread of violence into areas previously less affected, and violence between the Naga and Kuki communities in Ukhrul, Kamjong and Noney districts.

He also highlighted continuing disruptions on National Highways and difficulties in accessing essential services.

The MP urged the Centre to defer the exercise until normalcy is restored, displaced persons are rehabilitated, and a credible institutional mechanism for citizenship verification is put in place.

He clarified that his position is not against the census, but seeks to ensure that it is conducted under conditions that make its findings accurate, credible and acceptable to the people of Manipur.

Today, the MP also addressed the National media at the AICC Headquarters, 24 Akbar Road, New Delhi, where he elaborated on the concerns surrounding the census, the continuing crisis in Manipur, the need for credible citizenship verification, and the implications for any subsequent delimitation exercise.

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