Census Delayed in Manipur! Tensions Rise Over NRC Demands Amidst Ethnic Conflict

Manipur's decennial Census operations, initially set to kick off on September 1, have been officially deferred by the Centre. This significant decision comes amidst escalating demands from various community-based organizations to first conduct a National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise, using 1951 as the base year.

The move aims to douse fresh tensions in a state already grappling with existing Kuki-Meitei and Kuki-Naga conflicts, particularly with crucial assembly elections less than a year away. The deferment followed a high-level meeting involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi.

While data collection for the Census had already begun in January, several groups began opposing the headcount months later, insisting that an NRC must precede it. Their argument centers on the belief that a citizenship register is essential to identify and address the issue of "illegal migrants" before an official population count. This demand has, however, created a sharp division among Manipur's diverse communities.

The Meiteis, who form the majority in the Imphal Valley, along with the Meitei Pangals (Muslims) and the Nagas in the hill districts, largely support the 'NRC-before-Census' stance.

They see it as a critical step towards safeguarding their demographic integrity.

Conversely, the Kuki community, represented by the Kuki-Zo Council, strongly advocated for the Census to proceed as planned.

Kuki leaders argue that an impartial headcount would dispel "false claims" about their population growth and accusations of being "illegal migrants," thus ensuring a fair delimitation process. They also fear that updating the NRC with a 1951 base year is premature and biased, potentially leading to the unfair exclusion of their members.

The escalating protests from pro-NRC groups, including shutdowns and boycotts of government offices, ultimately prompted the Centre's decision.

A citizens' group, Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, had even threatened to intensify its agitation.

The deferment, while intended to cool tempers, highlights the complex interplay of ethnic identities, demographic anxieties, and political considerations in Manipur, leaving the state's future demographic and political landscape uncertain.

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