Manipur Census delayed as communities seek NRC implementation first

The Census exercise in Manipur remains on hold pending a review of the situation by the Central government in the coming days, according to sources in New Delhi. The delay has intensified demands from Meitei and Naga community groups who are insisting that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be implemented before any Census operations commence in the northeastern state.

The contention centres on demographic and citizenship concerns that communities in Manipur have raised as prerequisites for the Census. Meitei organisations and Naga groups have articulated that establishing a clear citizenship register through the NRC process should precede the decennial enumeration to ensure accurate representation of the state's population.

The Manipur High Court is scheduled to hear a public interest litigation filed by the Kangleipak Students Association on Tuesday, which is expected to provide additional legal perspective on the matter. The petition is likely to address procedural and administrative concerns surrounding the timing and conduct of the Census in the state.

Meanwhile, government functionaries have indicated that a comprehensive review of Manipur's administrative and demographic situation will be undertaken to chart the way forward on Census operations. The resolution of this matter carries significant implications for the state's representation in national demographic data and subsequent policy formulation.