Massive Rally in Imphal Calls for Postponement of Census in Manipur
Rally Demands Census Delay
The rally commenced from Tiddim Ground along Airport Road in Imphal, on Monday. (Photo)
Imphal, June 8: A significant demonstration advocating for the postponement of the upcoming Census in Manipur took place on Monday, featuring participation from 14 civil society organizations (CSOs), including various student and women's groups.
The march began at Tiddim Ground along Airport Road and traversed multiple areas of Imphal, concluding at Thou Ground in Thangmeiband.
Numerous participants, equipped with placards and banners, joined the rally, voicing their opposition to the Census and urging authorities to delay it until stability is restored in the region.
Remarkably, the procession moved through several sensitive locations in the state capital without any interference from security forces and maintained a peaceful atmosphere throughout.
Protesters raising slogans during the rally. (Photo)
During the event, United Committee Manipur (UCM) President Shanta Nahakpam addressed the crowd and expressed concerns regarding the practicality of conducting a fair Census while many individuals affected by the ongoing ethnic strife are still residing in relief camps.
“How can the Census be effective when thousands are living in relief camps?” Nahakpam questioned, emphasizing the need to address the issues faced by conflict-impacted communities before proceeding with the Census.
He clarified that the organizations have not communicated their concerns to the state government but have directed their appeals to the Registrar General of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“The 14 CSOs, along with other groups, have already submitted requests to the Registrar General of India (RGI) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the Census to be postponed in Manipur,” he noted.
Protesters carry placards demanding deferment of census exercise. (Photo)
According to Nahakpam, there has been no response from the RGI despite numerous appeals from various organizations.
With the Census set to begin in August, he stated that the organizations would persist in holding public meetings, awareness campaigns, and other democratic protests over the next two months to rally public support against the Census if their concerns are not addressed.
As the rally concluded at THAU Ground in Thangmeiband, participants reiterated their demand for the Census to be postponed until conditions are suitable for a fair, inclusive, and accurate enumeration throughout Manipur.