Manipur government team to rush to Delhi amid bandh against Census without NRC

A delegation from the Manipur government will head to Delhi to plead for a delay in the Census until a National Register of Citizens (NRC) is finalized, following a two-day shutdown sparked by the Census demand. The shutdown impacted the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, crippling businesses and transportation. The Meitei group, Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), is pushing for the Census to wait until the NRC is concluded.

The NRC aims to identify undocumented migrants who moved to Manipur after 1951, a concern for Meitei groups who seek to protect the state's original inhabitants. Conversely, Kuki organizations allege that Meiteis are attempting to label all of them as unauthorized immigrants. Assam implemented an NRC in 2019 to identify unauthorized immigrants who entered the state after 1971.

Manipur has experienced ethnic turmoil since 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths and displacing 60,000 individuals. The conflict initially erupted between Meitei and Kuki communities and expanded to encompass most communities in the state. The Meitei population, predominantly Hindu, primarily resides in the Imphal valley, while the Kuki community, mainly Christian, is concentrated in the hill regions.

Tensions between Naga and Kuki-Zo groups have also risen following the May 13 ambushes that claimed four lives. On Tuesday, most markets in the Imphal Valley were closed, with bandh supporters obstructing major roads and disrupting schools, transport services, and banks. Security personnel were present in strategic areas to mitigate potential damage to public property.

The Manipur government spokesperson, Sapam Ranjan, disclosed that a team is en route to Delhi to engage with central leaders and advocate for postponing the Census until the NRC is completed. The state's assembly unanimously approved a resolution in August 2022 requesting the NRC prior to the Census. The assembly reiterated this demand in March 2024.

A census training program was disrupted in Bishnupur on August 14. Former chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh had a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the NRC and reconciliation. Singh mentioned that he advocated for the NRC demand during his visit and urged the people of Manipur to support the cause, stating that it should be pursued through democratic and constitutional methods to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population.