Protests Erupt in Manipur Over Census Without NRC Implementation
Protests Against Census 2027 in Manipur
Members of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) Students’ Wing protesting against census on Sunday (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Aug 16: On Sunday, three individuals were injured when police deployed tear gas to disperse a crowd protesting the upcoming Census 2027, which they argue should not proceed without the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. This information was shared by representatives of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) Students’ Wing.
Authorities, however, reported that only one protester experienced minor injuries during the incident.
Somorjit Luwang, a member of the JFD, named the injured as Khangembam Pilot, who was taken to JNIMS Hospital; Longjam Roja, who was admitted to Advanced Hospital; and Angom Daisy, who is receiving care at Kripadashini Advanced Hospital. Luwang further claimed that one of the injured individuals is in critical condition and that several protesters sustained head injuries during the clash with law enforcement. These assertions have not been independently verified.
The clash occurred outside the Directorate of Census Operations in Porompat, Imphal East, just a day before the self-enumeration phase of Census 2027 is set to commence on August 17. The primary house-listing phase is scheduled to take place from September 1 to 30.
Protesters from the JFD Students’ Wing gathered at the Directorate, chanting slogans against the Census proceeding without the NRC's implementation.
Officials reported that demonstrators, holding placards stating “No NRC, No Census,” forced trainees to vacate the area before their training could commence.
Naorem Wangamba, convenor of the JFD Students’ Wing, reiterated the group's demand for the NRC to be implemented prior to the Census.
“We have been advocating for the NRC to identify illegal immigrants. The government is attempting to conduct the Census without first executing the NRC. This is crucial for safeguarding future generations,” Wangamba stated.
According to the protesters, they attempted to enter the office premises and subsequently tried to lock the main gate after being obstructed by security, which led to police intervention and the use of tear gas.
Luwang mentioned that protests were also occurring at various locations in Imphal, with ongoing indefinite demonstrations at Thangmeiband in Imphal West and Wangkhei Wall Club. He noted that the confrontation at the Directorate of Census Operations was particularly intense.
The JFD has consistently argued that citizenship verification through the NRC should precede the Census to identify alleged illegal immigrants and clarify the state's demographic makeup.
Luwang indicated that the organization plans to escalate its protests, with additional demonstrations scheduled to begin on Sunday evening.
This latest protest signifies a heightened effort by the JFD Students’ Wing against the Census initiative.
On Friday, members of the students’ wing had previously disrupted a training session for Census enumerators and supervisors at Moirang College in Bishnupur district.
The NRC issue remains a contentious topic in Manipur, with numerous civil society and student groups asserting that citizenship verification must occur before the Census.