Manipur defers census training as NRC update protests intensify

Authorities in Manipur have deferred census training programmes in Imphal West district as protests over the planned census operation gained momentum Wednesday. The postponement comes on the second day of a 48-hour general strike organised by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), a coalition of civil society groups demanding policy changes before the census proceeds.

Protesters across the valley districts demonstrated their opposition to the government's current census timeline through public demonstrations and symbolic actions. Effigies of politicians were burnt in multiple locations, and rallies were organised to amplify the message that a National Register of Citizens update must precede any census enumeration in the state.

The JFD has made clear that the staggered approach—updating the NRC before conducting the census—is essential to their vision of fair demographic assessment and delimitation in Manipur. The campaign reflects broader concerns among activist groups about the sequencing of administrative processes that affect the state's demographic record and electoral boundaries.

The deferment of census training represents a significant disruption to the planned enumeration schedule. State authorities have not yet announced revised timelines for resuming the preparatory activities suspended due to the ongoing strike action.