Manipur Delegation Heads to Delhi for NRC and Census Discussions

A ten-member delegation from Manipur has traveled to New Delhi to advocate for the urgent need for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census. Representing various communities, they aim to engage in constructive dialogue with central officials, emphasizing the importance of citizen identification prior to the delimitation process. Amid rising protests and a general strike, the Manipur government has closed educational institutions to maintain order. The delegation's visit highlights the growing concerns surrounding these critical issues in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 13:47 IST

Manipur Delegation's Mission to the Capital

The 10 member delegation said it would engage with the Centre and place the concerns of the people before the Centre (Image)

Imphal, Aug 20: A delegation of ten representatives from Manipur departed for New Delhi on Thursday, aiming to urge the central government to address issues related to the Census and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The group, which includes members from various communities and civil society organizations, emphasized the importance of establishing citizen identification prior to the ongoing delimitation process in the state.

They expressed a desire for constructive dialogue with the Centre, rather than conflict, and plan to present the concerns of the populace to Union ministers, BJP officials, and Intelligence Bureau representatives.

“Our goal is to foster discussion, not confrontation, while prioritizing the interests of the people of Manipur,” stated Serto Kom, president of the Kom Union Manipur.

Kom highlighted that the Census and NRC are vital processes that should be conducted "with utmost seriousness and care," advocating for the identification of legitimate Indian citizens before any delimitation occurs.

SM Jalal, president of AMMOCOC, mentioned that the delegation intends to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to voice their concerns directly.

Members of the delegation include Jalal, Gaikhiam Thaimei, vice-president of RNYOM, Serto Kom, and Dr K Heera Kabui, president of the Kabui Union.

This trip to Delhi coincides with escalating protests by the Just Fair Delimitation (JFD), which demands the NRC be conducted prior to the Census, amid worries regarding the pending delimitation in Manipur.

Previously, a group of MLAs and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also made a separate trip to New Delhi, as efforts to bring the matter directly to the Centre gain traction.

In the meantime, the Manipur Government has announced the closure of all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, from August 20 to 22, due to the current law and order situation amid rising protests over the NRC exercise preceding the Census.

This decision was made as the 48-hour general strike initiated by the Just Fair Delimitation (JFD) was approaching its end on Wednesday night, following concerns about potential student involvement in upcoming protests as the agitation evolves.