Protest Against Census 2026 in Manipur: Call for NRC First
A sit-in protest was held in Bishnupur district, Manipur, on December 29, 2025, voicing opposition to the proposed Census 2026. The demonstrators, led by social worker Shanjoy Ahanthem, demanded that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be completed before the census. This move is significant as it highlights ongoing concerns about citizenship and demographic changes in Manipur and broader India.
Unrest and Displacement: A Concern for Accurate Census
Shanjoy Ahanthem raised concerns about the current state of unrest in Manipur, citing the displacement of a large number of Meitei people in 2023. He warned that conducting the census under these conditions could lead to an inaccurate population count, as several demolished and flattened villages might be excluded from the house listing and village surveys.
Illegal Villages and Immigration: Potential Threats to Manipur's Identity
Ahanthem also expressed concerns about the existence of over 1,800 illegal villages in Manipur and the potential inclusion of illegal immigrants along the Indo-Myanmar border and migrants from Bangladesh in the census. He cautioned that such inclusion could allow illegal immigrants to acquire legitimacy as citizens, potentially altering Manipur's demographic and social fabric.
Decadal Population Growth Disparities: The Need for NRC Completion
Ahanthem argued that the disparities in decadal population growth rates between valley and hill districts in the 2001 census underscored the need for the completion of the NRC before undertaking any fresh census exercise in Manipur. He stated that the public is not opposed to the census itself but wants to ensure its accuracy and fairness.
A Call for Peace and NRC Completion
The protesters reiterated their demand for peace and the completion of the NRC before the census. Ahanthem appealed to all political parties to set aside their differences and support the call for NRC First, Census Next. He warned that failure to act could irreversibly alter Manipur's demographic and social fabric in the coming decades.
Implications for North East India and Beyond
The ongoing debate over the Census 2026 and the NRC in Manipur has broader implications for the North East region and India as a whole. The region is home to numerous ethnic and linguistic groups, many of which have faced challenges in maintaining their cultural identities and securing their rights as citizens. The protests in Manipur serve as a reminder of the need for careful consideration of these issues when conducting national censuses and implementing citizenship policies.
Reflections and Looking Forward
As the Census 2026 approaches, it is crucial to address the concerns raised by the people of Manipur and ensure that the census is conducted fairly, accurately, and in a manner that respects the rights and identities of all communities. This will not only contribute to a more informed understanding of the population but also help maintain peace and stability in the region. It is a task that requires the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, political parties, and civil society.