Thousands join ‘No NRC update, no census’ rally in Imphal

IMPHAL, JUN 8: Thousands of people from across Manipur participated in a massive rally in Imphal on Sunday, demanding the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state before the conduct of the upcoming Census exercise.
The rally, attended by members of various recognised tribes from the hill districts and other communities, was jointly organised by 14 civil society organisations under the banner of 14 CSOs Kangleipak.
Carrying the theme “No NRC Update, No Census”, participants marched from Tiddim Ground in Imphal West to THAU Ground, winding through major streets of the state capital. The rally drew participation from students, youths, internally displaced persons (IDPs), artists and representatives of different communities.
Protesters raised slogans such as “No NRC, No Census”, “Only Updation of NRC Can Save Manipur”, “Do Not Neglect Manipur State”, and “Until NRC 1951 Update, Don’t Conduct Census”.
The participants underscored the need to update the NRC to ensure proper identification of citizens and safeguard the demographic integrity of the state. They argued that any population enumeration exercise conducted without first identifying genuine citizens could further complicate Manipur’s demographic and political challenges.
The rally also highlighted concerns over illegal immigration and called for immediate measures to detect and address the issue.
Convener of 14 CSOs Kangleipak, Shanta Nahakpam, alleged that the Government of India had not taken concrete steps to identify foreigners residing illegally in the northeastern region despite repeated assurances.
He linked the prolonged crisis in Manipur to the influx of illegal immigrants across the international border and claimed that unchecked cross-border infiltration had contributed to growing demographic and security concerns in the state.
Nahakpam called on both the Centre and the state government to take urgent steps to address the issue. Referring to the recently constituted high-powered committee to examine demographic changes in selected states, he said Manipur deserved separate and immediate consideration given its sensitive international border with Myanmar and ongoing ethnic and security challenges.
He argued that the demand for NRC updation was no longer merely an administrative matter but was closely tied to the protection of indigenous identity, land rights and political representation.
Warning against conducting the Census without updating the NRC, Nahakpam said it could result in disputed population data, affect future delimitation exercises and potentially allow illegal immigrants to claim Indian citizenship.
He also urged the Centre to include a representative agency from the Manipur government in the newly formed demographic study committee, contending that local institutions possess a deeper understanding of the state’s realities