Imphal Sees Massive Rally Demanding NRC Updation Before Upcoming Census in Manipur
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
- Jun 08, 2026
- 134
A major public mobilisation was witnessed in Imphal on Sunday as thousands of people from multiple sections of society gathered to demand the immediate updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) Ministry of Home Affairs in Manipur before the implementation of the forthcoming Census exercise.
Protesters argued that conducting a population count without first verifying genuine citizenship records could significantly distort demographic data and worsen existing political and administrative challenges in the state.
Protest Led by 14 CSOs in Imphal West and East
The demonstration was organised under the umbrella of 14 CSOs Kangleipak, a coalition of 14 civil society organisations in Manipur.
The rally began from Tiddim Ground in Imphal West and concluded at THAU Ground, where a large public meeting was held demanding urgent intervention from the Central Government.
Wide Participation from Multiple Social Groups
The protest saw participation from:
- Students and youth organisations
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Women’s groups
- Artists and cultural activists
- Indigenous community representatives
Participants carried banners and slogans such as:
- “Only NRC Updation Can Save Manipur”
- “No NRC, No Census”
- “Protect Indigenous Identity”
- “Do Not Conduct Census Without Updating NRC 1951 Records”
CSOs Raise Concerns Over Demographic Stability
Speaking at the rally, convenor Shanta Nahakpam criticised the Central Government for what he described as prolonged inaction on NRC updation in Manipur, despite heightened national attention on illegal immigration in other regions.
He highlighted the Centre’s recent decision to form a high-level committee to study demographic changes in selected states under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Strategic Location of Manipur Cited
Protest leaders emphasized that Manipur’s geographic position—sharing a sensitive international border with Myanmar—combined with ongoing ethnic tensions and security challenges, makes it essential to treat the state’s demographic issues separately and urgently.
Concerns over cross-border movement through the India–Myanmar border were also strongly highlighted during the event.
Demand for NRC Before Census and Delimitation
Organisers stressed that NRC (Census of India ) updation is no longer just an administrative issue but is directly linked to:
- Protection of indigenous identity
- Safeguarding land rights
- Ensuring fair political representation
They warned that conducting the Census without updated NRC data could lead to disputed figures and impact future delimitation exercises.
Warning Over Electoral Representation and Data Accuracy
The CSOs also cautioned that any delimitation process based on unverified demographic data could:
- Alter electoral boundaries
- Weaken constitutional safeguards
- Affect representation of indigenous communities
They demanded transparent and accurate citizen verification before any national population exercise.
Call for State Representation in Central Committee
The convenor further urged the inclusion of a representative from the Manipur state government in the newly formed demographic review committee, stating that local institutions better understand ground realities.
Concerns Over Illegal Immigration and Narcotics Networks
Speakers also raised alarm over:
- Alleged illegal immigration
- Cross-border infiltration
- Expanding narcotics trafficking networks
They argued that these issues are contributing to rising demographic insecurity among indigenous populations and called for a credible citizenship verification mechanism.
The report was published by TheTripuraPost, a Northeast India-focused digital news platform covering Tripura, Manipur, and national affairs.