March 29 public meeting rescheduled on April 12
CJFD questions CM's assurance for fair census
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 28 2026: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation has rescheduled its public meeting, originally set for March 29, on April 12 .

Addressing the media at Wangkhei Thangjam Leirak today, CJFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba stated that the Government is preparing to launch the census operation despite strong opposition from the people of Manipur.

Responding to Chief Minister Y Khemchand's statement that the Government is working to conduct the census in a just and fair manner, he questioned how the census could be considered fair if it is carried out before the resettlement of internally displaced people and the restoration of free movement along the highways.

He stated that illegal immigrants would be included in the census if the population count is conducted without properly identifying them.

He urged the Government to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with respect to Manipur or implement another mechanism to identify illegal immigrants before proceeding with the census.

Emphasising that conducting the census based on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) records would be inappropriate, as SIR is intended solely for voter lists, he pointed out that SIR does not include provisions to identify illegal immigrants under the age of 18 .

Saying that illegal immigrants pose a grave threat to the indigenous people, he asserted that the Government must take responsibi- lity for any consequences if the census is conducted forcefully.

He appealed to all concerned to hold meetings and spread public awareness on the census, SIR, delimitation, and NRC, adding that CJFD will send experts to assist.

Meanwhile, CJFD finance secretary Sunil Karam, during a public meeting held at Malom Bazar, stated that the Manipur Government could proceed with the census if they are unwilling to identify the illegal immigrants settling in the State.

However, he cautioned that the people of Manipur would resist any attempt to carry out the census forcefully, and the Government must take responsibility for any consequences that arise.

The situation in Manipur is not conducive to conduct the census operations, Sunil said.

Saying that the Government has not responded positively to the demand to defer the population count, he questioned why Chief Minister Y Khemchand is not conveying the people's desire to the Central leadership.

Accusing the Chief Minister of only acting accor- ding to the instructions of the Central Government, he added that such behavior from a State leader would leave a negative impression, making it impossible for any MLA who speaks for the people to ever become Chief Minister.

He also claimed that CJFD had spoken to many MLAs on the issue regarding census, and all of them expressed love for their motherland, but their actions tell a different story.

Questioning why the Government is opposed to identifying illegal immigrants before the census, he stated that the people will resist any efforts to proceed with the census under such circumstances.

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Council, has also expressed its support to all movements demanding the deferment of the census.

Addressing a function at Irawat Bhawan today, joint secretary of AITUC, Manipur State Council, L Sotinkumar stated that the influx of illegal immigrants has led to various problems in Manipur, leaving the indigenous people vulnerable.

Saying that the NRC must be updated before launching the census, he added that the Government must not allow a small spark to lead to a massive fire.

He urged the Government to understand the sentiment of the people and do the needful.

The Democratic People's Front (DPF), Manipur, has also urged the Government to defer the census operations in the State.

Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club today, DPF president N Rajivkumar stated that the crisis in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023, remains unresolved, leaving thousands still displaced.

Pointing out that people are also unable to move freely within the State, he questioned how the Government will produce an accurate demographic picture under such circumstances.

Rajivkumar further emphasized that the Government must update the NRC before initiating census operations in the State.

He mentioned that a memorandum requesting the deferment of the census has been submitted to both the Governor and the Chief Minister.

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