IDPs in Manipur Protest Against Upcoming Census Amid Ongoing Crisis

Internally displaced persons in Manipur have staged a protest against the upcoming Census 2027, expressing concerns over the timing and potential inaccuracies due to ongoing displacement. They argue that many individuals may not be counted accurately, which could have long-term implications for their identity and entitlements. The protest highlights the ongoing crisis in the region, where thousands remain in relief camps due to prolonged ethnic unrest. Activists are calling for the Census to be postponed until normalcy is restored, emphasizing that rehabilitation should take priority over administrative exercises. This situation reflects the broader tensions surrounding demographic representation in Manipur.
 | 
IDPs in Manipur Protest Against Upcoming Census Amid Ongoing Crisis

Protest Against Census 2027 in Manipur

IDPs from Ikou, residing at Sajiwa Relief Camp, staging a protest opposing Census 2027 on Friday. (Photo: AT)


Imphal, April 3: Recent tensions surrounding the Census in Manipur have escalated, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are now vocally opposing the initiative. They cite ongoing displacement issues and the lack of stability in the region as significant concerns.


On Friday, IDPs from Ikou, currently living in the Sajiwa Relief Camp, organized a protest to express their discontent with the timing of the Census. They warned that conducting it under the current circumstances could result in significant inaccuracies, exclusion, and long-term consequences regarding identity and entitlements.


This demonstration highlights the increasing anxiety among displaced communities, even as the government continues preparations for Census 2027.


Protesters voiced their fears that many displaced individuals, who are still unable to return home, might not be accurately counted.


Jeetendra Ningomba, the convener of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (CJFD), stated that the current situation in Manipur does not allow for a credible Census process.


“We are conducting this public awareness campaign regarding the Census. While the Government of India plans to carry it out nationwide, Manipur remains in turmoil, with administrative control not fully restored in all regions. Many individuals are still confined and displaced, unable to move freely,” he explained.


Ningomba emphasized that these conditions would hinder the authorities from obtaining an accurate demographic representation.


“Under these circumstances, the government cannot produce a fair and accurate report. We urge both the Government of Manipur and the Government of India, particularly the Registrar General of India, to postpone the Census,” he added.


He highlighted that many protest participants have been residing in relief camps for over two years, illustrating the prolonged nature of the crisis.


The IDPs reiterated that rehabilitation and safe return should take precedence over any large-scale administrative activities. They cautioned that moving forward with the Census at this time could misrepresent affected populations and negatively impact their future rights and entitlements.


This protest follows a notification from the Manipur Gazette (Extraordinary) issued on March 23, 2026, by the Home Department.


According to the notification, houselisting operations for Census 2027 in the state are set to occur from September 1 to September 30, 2026, with a self-enumeration period from August 17 to August 31.


The Census issue has already sparked unrest in various parts of the state, with previous protests related to demands for NRC and concerns regarding demographic representation.


Manipur continues to deal with the consequences of prolonged ethnic unrest, with thousands still in relief camps, making the Census a sensitive and contentious topic.