Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Manipur Protesters Demand NRC Update Before Census, Burn Effigies
People in parts of Manipur held a two-day strike.
They want the National Register of Citizens updated before the government carries out the Census.
Protesters blocked roads, marched, and burned effigies of two state ministers.
They said the Census should wait until people displaced by conflict can return to their original homes.
Some Census training was cancelled in Thoubal district.
Teachers involved in Census work said they faced difficulties and embarrassment during training.
They asked the government and protest groups to find a peaceful solution.
The protest group said it would next boycott government offices but would not target water, electricity, or medical services.
A 48-hour general strike demanding National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation before the Census ended in Manipur’s valley districts.
Protesters burned effigies of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam in Imphal East.
Demonstrators raised “No NRC, No Census” slogans and demanded that the Census wait until internally displaced people return home.
Road blockades were reported in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Thoubal, disrupting private and security-force vehicles.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation said it would boycott government offices, while exempting essential services, from Thursday.
- Who
- The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, its supporters, the Council of Teachers’ Associations, and Manipur government officials were involved.
- What
- Protesters held a 48-hour general strike, rallies, road blockades and effigy-burning demonstrations demanding NRC updation before the Census.
- When
- The strike ended on Wednesday, August 19, 2026; a government-office boycott was announced for Thursday.
- Where
- The demonstrations took place in Manipur’s valley districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal.
- Why
- Protesters want the NRC updated before the Census and want the Census delayed until internally displaced people return to their native places.
- Strike duration
- 48 hours
- Organiser
- Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD)
- Main demand
- Update the National Register of Citizens before the Census
- Protest locations
- Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts
- Training affected
- A Census training programme in Thoubal district was cancelled
- Next action
- A boycott of state and central government offices was announced from Thursday
- Exemptions
- Water, power and medical services will be exempted from the boycott