Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Manipur Closes Educational Institutions Amid NRC-Census Protests
Manipur closed schools and colleges for three days because protests raised concerns about safety.
The closure runs from August 20 to August 22, 2026, according to most reports.
One report said the closure would continue through August 23.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation wants the National Register of Citizens updated before the Census happens.
Protesters also want people displaced by conflict to return to their original homes before the Census.
They held marches, torch rallies, blocked roads and burned effigies.
Some Census worker training in Thoubal was canceled.
The government and security forces said they were monitoring the situation and working to maintain public order.
Manipur ordered schools, colleges, higher-education institutions and universities closed from August 20 through August 22, 2026, citing law-and-order concerns.
The closure covers institutions affiliated with state boards, the Central Board of Secondary Education and other boards, including government, aided and unaided institutions.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation led a 48-hour strike demanding that the National Register of Citizens be updated before the Census.
Protesters held rallies, torch marches, road blockades and effigy-burning demonstrations across Imphal and several valley districts.
A Census training programme in Thoubal was canceled, while the JFD announced a boycott of government offices from August 20.
- Who
- The Manipur government, the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, protesters, internally displaced people, security agencies, Meitei organisations and Kuki organisations.
- What
- The government closed educational institutions amid protests demanding an NRC update before the Census.
- When
- The closure was ordered for August 20-22, 2026; protests and related disruptions were reported on August 19 and the preceding Sunday night.
- Where
- Manipur, including Imphal and the valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Thoubal.
- Why
- The government cited the prevailing law-and-order situation, while protesters demanded an NRC update and the return or resettlement of internally displaced people before the Census.
NRC and Census-Delay Supporters
Kuki Organisations and Authorities
Census timing
NRC and Census-Delay Supporters
The JFD and supporting civil-society groups want the NRC updated and internally displaced people resettled before the Census proceeds.
Kuki Organisations and Authorities
The government cited law-and-order concerns for closing institutions and coordinated security measures while disruptions continued.
Purpose of an NRC
NRC and Census-Delay Supporters
Meitei groups say an NRC would identify undocumented migrants who they claim entered Manipur from neighbouring countries after 1951.
Kuki Organisations and Authorities
Kuki organisations have accused Meitei groups of attempting to portray members of their community as undocumented immigrants.
Protest methods
NRC and Census-Delay Supporters
Protesters used strikes, marches, torch rallies, road blockades and effigy burning, and announced a government-office boycott to press their demands.
Kuki Organisations and Authorities
Police and security agencies deployed measures to prevent untoward incidents and maintain public order.
- Closure period
- Most reports say all covered institutions were closed from August 20 through August 22, 2026; one report listed August 20-23.
- Institutions covered
- Schools, colleges, higher-education institutions and universities across government, aided and unaided sectors.
- Protest organiser
- The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation called a 48-hour general strike.
- Main demand
- The National Register of Citizens should be updated before the Census is conducted.
- Displacement demand
- Protesters demanded that internally displaced people return to or be resettled in their native places before the Census.
- Reported disruptions
- Rallies, torch marches, effigy burning and road blockades were reported in Imphal and other valley districts.
- Census training
- A training programme for Census supervisors, enumerators and field trainers was canceled in Thoubal district.
- Government response
- Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh discussed the security situation with senior Central Reserve Police Force officials.
Sources
Schools, Colleges In Manipur Shut For 3 Days Amid Protests
Manipur Shuts Schools, Colleges For 3 Days Amid Escalating NRC-Census Protests And Growing Law-&-Order Concerns | Video
Manipur schools & colleges to be shut till 22 August amid protests for NRC updation
Manipur Orders Closure Of Schools, Colleges For 3 Days Amid Protests Over NRC Demand
Manipur shuts all educational institutes for 3 days amid protests over Census before NRC
Manipur Schools, Colleges to Remain Shut Till Aug 22 Amid NRC Showdown