Amit Shah Listens to NRC Demands Amid Protests in Manipur

In Manipur, protests have erupted demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming Census 2027. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has acknowledged these demands during a meeting with former Chief Minister N Biren Singh. As a two-day strike disrupts normal life across the valley districts, markets and schools remain closed, and public transport is largely absent. The agitation highlights the urgency of the NRC issue, with confrontations reported between protesters and police. The JFD, a student organization, insists on the NRC's priority before the census, which is set to begin its self-enumeration phase soon. This situation raises significant questions about the future of citizenship and demographic data collection in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 18, 2026, 12:27 IST

Protests Erupt in Manipur Over NRC Implementation

In several parts of the valley, strike enforcers blocked roads with bamboo poles and stone boulders. (AT Photo)

Imphal, Aug 18: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has attentively listened to the request for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be implemented in Manipur prior to the Census 2027, as stated by former Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday. This comes amidst ongoing protests and a two-day shutdown in the valley districts of the state.

Singh, who returned to Imphal after a two-day trip to New Delhi, mentioned that he met with Shah on Monday to discuss the demand.

“Shah was receptive to our concerns. I genuinely believe there will be a favorable response to the issues raised by the public. I informed Shah that the populace is not opposed to the census but insists on the NRC being addressed first,” Singh remarked.

His comments were made as daily life was significantly affected across five valley districts in Manipur on the first day of a two-day strike initiated by the Campaign for Just and Free Delimitation (JFD), a student organization advocating for the NRC's implementation before the census.

Markets and schools were closed in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, while public transport was largely absent. Government offices saw low attendance, although some private vehicles were observed on the roads.

The strike, which commenced at midnight on Tuesday, had minimal effect in the hill districts, including Churachandpur.

In various areas of the valley, strike participants obstructed roads using bamboo poles and stone boulders. At Kongba bazaar in Imphal East, some vegetable vendors were reportedly coerced into closing their stalls.

In Athokpam, Thoubal, protesters set tires ablaze on the roads while chanting slogans like "No NRC, No Census."

This agitation arises just days before the self-enumeration phase of Census 2027, which began on August 17. The primary house-listing operation is set to occur from September 1 to September 30.

The demand for NRC implementation has led to confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. On Sunday, students protesting outside the Directorate of Census Operations in Imphal were dispersed when police used tear gas. Reports indicated that some protesters sustained injuries during the police response.

The JFD continues to assert that the NRC must be established before the census, while authorities persist with preparations for the upcoming census activities.