Intensified Protests in Manipur Demand NRC Implementation Before Census

Protests in Manipur have intensified as the Just Fair Delimitation (JFD) calls for a two-day strike demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the upcoming Census. The movement has gained traction with support from various civil society organizations, emphasizing the need for citizenship verification prior to population enumeration. Tensions escalated during protests, resulting in injuries among students. The JFD and other groups are urging the government to prioritize the NRC exercise, arguing that it is crucial for the identity of Manipuris amidst concerns over illegal immigration. As the situation unfolds, the demand for NRC implementation continues to resonate strongly across the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 18:16 IST

Protests Escalate in Manipur

Members of JFD during a protest in Imphal on Monday. (AT Photo)

Imphal, August 17: The demand for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be implemented prior to the Census has led to heightened protests in Manipur, with the Just Fair Delimitation (JFD) declaring a two-day statewide strike starting at midnight on August 17.

This strike is part of a larger movement advocating for the completion of the NRC process before the Census takes place. The JFD has called upon the residents of Manipur to join in solidarity and ensure the success of the strike.

“We are fighting against government policies that threaten our existence as Manipuris. The Indian government is pushing for a Census while we grapple with the issues stemming from illegal immigration. Today, several students were injured,” stated the general secretary of Dhanamanjuri University.

The strike has garnered support from various civil society groups, including the United Meitei Naga Committee Manipur, Federation of Naga Civil Society (FNCC), Chandel Naga People’s Organisation, United Meitei Pangal Committee, and Native People’s Committee Manipur.

Leading organizations in the movement are urging the government to prioritize the NRC exercise before conducting the Census, emphasizing that verifying citizenship is essential before counting the population.

Earlier today, reports emerged of two individuals sustaining injuries during a police lathi charge at the Dhanamanjuri University campus, as per a JFD representative.

The injured parties were identified as Thokchom Tombi, 20, a GP College student from Lamboikhul Makha Leikai, who suffered a hand injury, and Kharibam Reshma, 30, affiliated with the JFD student wing and a student at Regional College, who incurred a head injury.

Both individuals were taken to Raj Medicity Hospital for medical attention.

The situation continues to escalate in the state, with protests intensifying over the demand for NRC implementation prior to the Census, as organizers assert that citizenship verification must come before population enumeration.