‘No NRC, No Census’: Protesters storm Census Directorate in Manipur, 3 injured in clash with security forces

Members of the student wing of the Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation (JFD) staged a protest at the Directorate of Census Operations Manipur in Imphal East on August 16, demanding that the upcoming Census operation be deferred until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is updated in the state.

The protesters gathered outside the Directorate and raised slogans of “No NRC, No Census”, opposing the scheduled commencement of the Census exercise from Monday.

According to protesters, they have been conducting various forms of agitation to press the authorities to defer the Census until the NRC updating process is completed. They alleged that their demand has not been addressed despite repeated representations and protests.

Tension escalated at the site when protesters reportedly attempted to lock the office premises. Security forces subsequently used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Three student protesters were reportedly injured during the ensuing police action.

A protester said the group would continue its agitation until the authorities agree to defer the Census operation and undertake the NRC update.

The protesters also raised concerns over the presence of alleged illegal immigrants in the state and claimed that conducting the Census without first identifying them could affect the accuracy of population data.

They further argued that displacement of indigenous residents and the alleged influx of illegal immigrants made it necessary to complete the NRC updating process before undertaking the Census.

The protesters said they would intensify their agitation if their demand to defer the Census was not accepted.