Census Controversy in Manipur: Threat to Indigenous Identity and National Security

The ongoing debate over the census exercise in Manipur has taken a significant turn, with three Thadou organizations raising concerns about the potential consequences of conducting a census without addressing the controversial Any Kuki tribes (AKT) category. This issue, rooted in Manipur's complex ethnic dynamics, carries implications not only for the state but also for the broader Indian context.

The Unconstitutional AKT Category

The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), Thadou Students Association (TSA), and Thadou Community International (TCI) have called for the immediate suspension of the census until the AKT category is removed from the Scheduled Tribes list. They argue that the inclusion of AKT in 2003, allegedly for political reasons, has led to administrative distortions, allowing illegal immigrants and non-indigenous persons to obtain residency, constitutional benefits, and Scheduled Tribe status in Manipur.

Risks to Demographic Integrity and National Security

The organizations contend that conducting a census without rectifying this issue would compromise Manipur's demographic integrity, violate the rights of indigenous communities, and pose risks to national security. They claim that the unverified populations recorded under AKT could distort census data and public policy for generations.

Ethnic Tensions and Potential Conflict

The organizations warn that proceeding with a census before deleting AKT could further aggravate ethnic tensions and potentially push Manipur into renewed large-scale conflict. They express concern about the prevailing law-and-order crisis in Manipur's hill districts, fearing that delays in processing the proposal could lead to coercion during census operations by armed Kuki militant groups, resulting in forced misclassification under the AKT category.

Impact on North East India and Beyond

The census controversy in Manipur is a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by India's North East region, where ethnic and territorial disputes have long been a source of instability. If left unaddressed, the issue could escalate, affecting not only Manipur but also the broader Indian context. It underscores the need for sensitive and inclusive policies to manage India's ethnic and cultural diversity.

Reflections and Way Forward

As the Manipur government and the Government of India consider the organizations' demands, it is crucial to remember the potential consequences of a hasty or insensitive approach to such sensitive issues. The conduct of a census at this stage, amid the ongoing crisis and without resolving the AKT issue, could indeed lead to further breakdown of peace, constitutional order, and the rights of indigenous peoples in Manipur. It is a reminder that the census, intended to serve as a foundation for policy and planning, must be conducted with utmost care and inclusivity to truly reflect the diversity and integrity of India's regions and peoples.