Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Manipur Minister Says Centre Must Join NRC Update
Manipur wants to update a list called the National Register of Citizens, or NRC.
The state’s home minister said Manipur cannot do this work by itself.
He said the Government of India must also take part.
He confirmed that 1951 is intended to be the starting year for the list.
A state commission created for population matters is working on the issue.
The minister said officials are being careful because Assam’s NRC process faced problems.
Separately, armed militants attacked three villages near Myanmar in Kamjong district on May 7.
One person was injured and 23 houses were burned, but investigators have not yet confirmed which group was responsible.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the state cannot update the NRC without the Government of India.
He said Assembly resolutions seeking NRC updation have been conveyed to the Centre.
Konthoujam reaffirmed that 1951 would be the NRC base year and said the State Population Commission is functioning.
He cautioned that Manipur wants to avoid the problems associated with Assam’s NRC exercise.
Police are investigating attacks on three Kamjong district villages that injured one person and burned 23 houses.
- Who
- Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, state legislators, and police investigating the village attacks.
- What
- The minister said the Centre must participate in updating the NRC; he also provided details about attacks on three Kamjong villages.
- When
- The NRC comments were made on Monday; the village attacks occurred on May 7.
- Where
- The statements were made in the Manipur Assembly; the attacks occurred in Z Choro, Namlee, and Wanglee villages in Kamjong district near Myanmar.
- Why
- The minister said Centre involvement is required and that the NRC must be conducted carefully; the attacks are being investigated.
NRC Advocates
Government Caution
Base year and legal framework
NRC Advocates
Congress Legislature Party leader K. Meghachandra Singh said the 1951 base year should be reflected in Assembly resolutions and is needed for a legal framework.
Government Caution
The state government said the NRC cannot be conducted solely by Manipur and requires participation by the Government of India.
Speed of implementation
NRC Advocates
The Assembly has adopted resolutions urging NRC updation, citing the need to establish the process with a defined base year.
Government Caution
The home minister said NRC work is difficult and must be handled cautiously to avoid the problems associated with Assam’s exercise.
Responsibility for the village attacks
NRC Advocates
Questions were raised about whether the Myanmar-based KNF(B) was involved in the attacks.
Government Caution
The minister said it would be too early to identify the group because the police investigation is still underway.
- NRC base year
- 1951
- Required participation
- The Government of India must be involved, according to the Manipur home minister.
- State commission
- The Manipur State Population Commission was formed after Assembly resolutions and was described as functioning.
- Affected villages
- Z Choro, Namlee, and Wanglee in Kamjong district.
- Attack impact
- One person was injured and 23 houses were burned.
- Estimated losses
- More than Rs 5 crore.
- Investigation status
- Police are investigating; involvement by KNF(B) has not been confirmed.