Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Manipur Protests Intensify Over Census Without Prior NRC
Some groups in Manipur want the government to update a citizens' register before conducting the next Census.
They say this could protect Manipur's identity and address concerns about migration and displaced people.
Protesters held torch marches, closed some government offices and organised student demonstrations.
They also want displaced people to return to their original homes before counting households.
Manipur's Chief Minister and some BJP legislators support this demand.
The Kuki-Zo Council disagrees and says the Census should happen first.
It says verified population data is needed to settle arguments about demographics and representation.
The council also says an NRC is a national exercise that cannot be decided by one state alone.
The first phase of the Census, covering houses and housing, is scheduled for 1 to 30 September in Manipur.
Protesters in Manipur are demanding that the NRC be updated before Census 2027.
Meira Paibi groups and local organisations held torch rallies across the Valley.
Campaigners also organised office lock-ins, student demonstrations, a boycott and a general strike.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Manipur BJP legislators support completing the NRC first.
The Kuki-Zo Council opposes the demand, calling it premature and urging an unobstructed Census.
- Who
- Meitei and Naga groups, Meira Paibi organisations, local protesters, student groups, Manipur political leaders and the Kuki-Zo Council.
- What
- Protests are demanding that the National Register of Citizens be updated before Census 2027, while the Kuki-Zo Council wants the Census to proceed first.
- When
- The latest torch rallies took place on Sunday night; the first Census phase is scheduled for 1 to 30 September.
- Where
- Across Manipur, particularly in the Valley, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and other locations.
- Why
- Supporters cite concerns about demographic changes, alleged illegal immigration, Manipur's identity and the resettlement of internally displaced people; opponents seek impartial, verified population data.
NRC Before Census
Census Before NRC
Order of exercises
NRC Before Census
Meitei- and Naga-backed campaigners say the NRC must be updated before house-listing and the Census.
Census Before NRC
The Kuki-Zo Council says demanding an NRC before the Census results are completed and published is premature and unjustified.
Demographic concerns
NRC Before Census
Supporters fear a Census without an NRC could enable demographic changes and say illegal immigration from Myanmar should be addressed.
Census Before NRC
The Kuki-Zo Council says claims about the Kuki-Zo population and demographic status rely on allegations and speculation that should be tested against verified data.
Authority and consequences
NRC Before Census
Protesters argue that the Census should be paused until the NRC is updated and displaced people are resettled.
Census Before NRC
The Kuki-Zo Council says the NRC is a national exercise, warns of legal and administrative complications, and urges respect for Central Government authority.
- Census schedule
- The House Listing and Housing Census is due in Manipur from 1 to 30 September.
- Protest demand
- Campaigners want the NRC updated before the Census and displaced people resettled in their native villages and homes.
- Torch rally
- Around 2,000 women joined a Saturday torch rally at Keishampat junction in Imphal West.
- Government disruption
- JFD volunteers locked several state and central government offices while sparing institutions providing essential services.
- Political support
- Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and a team of Manipur BJP legislators have supported raising the issue with the Central Government.
- Opposition
- The Kuki-Zo Council called completing the NRC before the Census premature and unjustified.
- NRC framework
- The NRC is based on Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the 2003 citizenship-registration rules.