Manipur Government Sets 1951 as Base Year for NRC Update

The Manipur government has officially designated 1951 as the base year for future updates to the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam emphasized the need for central approval before proceeding with any NRC exercise. Additionally, he reported the detection of over 24,000 illegal immigrants across three districts, with many already repatriated. The government is taking a cautious approach to avoid complications similar to those faced in Assam. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions in the Assembly regarding immigration and population verification efforts, which have been impacted by recent crises in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 15:39 IST

Manipur's NRC Update Announcement

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam in the House, on Monday. (AT Photo)

Imphal, Sept 7: On Monday, the Manipur government declared that the year 1951 will serve as the foundational year for any future updates to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. The government emphasized its intention to engage with the central authorities regarding this matter, following resolutions passed by the Assembly.

In response to a query from Opposition MLA K Meghachandra Singh during the Assembly session, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam mentioned that efforts are underway to locate the original physical records of the 1951 NRC.

However, he pointed out that the state cannot initiate an NRC process without the consent of the Government of India.

He also noted that the Manipur State Population Commission has been established in line with an Assembly resolution from August 5, 2022.

Konthoujam warned against underestimating the NRC issue, referencing Assam's situation where the NRC was completed but the final register remains unpublished due to ongoing court proceedings.

The state government has approached the Centre regarding this issue, adhering to an Assembly resolution from March 1, 2024, which reaffirmed its previous stance. On September 2, the Assembly unanimously reiterated its earlier resolutions on the matter.

The government aims to proceed with caution to avoid challenges similar to those encountered in Assam during any NRC exercise in Manipur.

In a separate discussion, addressing concerns raised by Opposition MLA Th Lokeshwar Singh regarding illegal immigration, the Home Minister reported that 24,475 illegal immigrants have been identified across three districts.

Of these, 14,992 have been repatriated, while the remaining individuals are either under government supervision or residing in temporary shelters.

Among the detected illegal immigrants, 6,545 were found in Kamjong, 3,560 in Tengnoupal, and 14,370 in Chandel.

In Kamjong, 5,378 individuals have been repatriated, with 1,167 still in government camps.

In Tengnoupal, only 14 have been sent back, while the remaining 3,546 are under the oversight of the Deputy Commissioner after their biometric data was collected.

In Chandel, 9,600 individuals have been returned to Myanmar, and of the remaining 4,770, biometric details for 1,308 have been recorded.

Konthoujam explained that the repatriation of identified illegal immigrants is being conducted through diplomatic channels, and district authorities have been instructed to prevent their movement and keep them separate from local Indian populations.

He also mentioned the formation of committees since 2023 to verify illegal immigrants and assess the emergence of new villages, although this verification process was halted due to the crisis that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023.