Thousands rally in Manipur's Imphal, demand NRC update before census

Thousands of people took part in a mass rally in Manipur's Imphal on June 8, demanding the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the next census exercise is carried out in the state.

 

The rally, jointly organised by 14 civil society organisations under the banner of 14 CSOs Kangleipak, began at Tiddim Ground in Imphal West and concluded at THAU Ground, where a public meeting was held.

 

Participants included students, youth, internally displaced persons, artists and members of indigenous communities. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Only updation of NRC can save Manipur", "No NRC, No Census", "Do not neglect Manipur State" and "Until NRC 1951 update, don't conduct census".

 

Addressing the gathering, 14 CSOs Kangleipak convenor Shanta Nahakpam alleged that the Centre had ignored repeated demands for NRC updation in Manipur despite raising concerns over illegal immigration in other states during elections.

 

He referred to a recent notification by the Government of India establishing a high-powered committee to study demographic changes in various states and submit its findings to the Union Home Ministry within a year. Nahakpam argued that Manipur's situation required special attention due to its international border, existing peace agreements with different groups and concerns over demographic changes.

 

According to him, an updated NRC is essential for ensuring a credible delimitation exercise in the future. He claimed that any delimitation process conducted without addressing alleged discrepancies in population records could affect the political representation and constitutional rights of indigenous communities.

 

Nahakpam also urged the Centre to include a Manipur government agency in the newly formed committee studying demographic changes, saying local participation was necessary to accurately assess the state's concerns.

 

He further claimed that Manipur faces challenges distinct from neighbouring states, citing issues related to the porous India-Myanmar border, illegal immigration and alleged narco-trafficking networks operating across the region.