Manipur Protest Turns Violent, Six Injured Over Census Without NRC

Imphal, Manipur: At least six protestors were injured on Wednesday during a protest in Imphal against conducting the census in Manipur without implementing a National Register of Citizens (NRC) or a similar mechanism.

Hundreds of demonstrators, under the banner of Just Fair Delimitation (JFD), a civil body, marched towards the Manipur assembly holding placards, arguing that the census would be undermined if undocumented immigrants were not identified first.

A confrontation broke out when the Manipur Police and Rapid Action Force blocked the protestors and fired tear gas shells. The six injured protestors received first aid and were discharged.

Congress lawmaker K Meghachandra raised the issue in the assembly, urging the government to defer the census until peace is restored and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are resettled. Chief Minister Y Khemchand replied that the census would take time as preparatory procedures are still underway.

Home Minister K Govindas highlighted that the Supreme Court is currently addressing challenges related to delimitation of constituencies in the state. He noted that disputes over the 2001 census data and the ongoing ethnic conflict, which began in March 2023, have disrupted administrative processes, including the census. Govindas added that the state government is taking steps to identify undocumented immigrants and strengthen border security.

Local resident Lourembam Pramo emphasized, “Until illegal immigrants are properly identified, conducting the census would not be appropriate.”