Manipur Census postponed amid ethnic tensions, NRC demands

The Census operation in Manipur has been postponed, marking a significant setback for India's decennial enumeration exercise in a state grappling with communal tensions. The deferment comes amid mounting pressure from pro-National Register of Citizens (NRC) groups who argue that a citizenship register should precede any census count in the region.

Advocates for the NRC contend that establishing a definitive register of citizens is essential before conducting Census operations, citing concerns over undocumented migrants and demographic changes in Manipur. These groups argue that proceeding with Census without first determining citizenship status could skew demographic data and complicate future governance matters in the state.

The NRC demand is intrinsically linked to Manipur's ongoing ethnic conflict, which has intensified since violence erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Pro-NRC groups view citizenship documentation as a mechanism to address their concerns about population changes and resource allocation, which have been central grievances in the state's longstanding communal disputes.

The deferment reflects the administration's acknowledgement of the delicate situation on the ground, where conducting Census operations could exacerbate existing tensions between communities with differing perspectives on citizenship, migration, and demographic representation. Authorities must navigate competing demands while maintaining the credibility of India's Census exercise in one of South Asia's most ethnically complex regions.