India Defers Manipur Census Amid NRC Demands

The Government of India deferred the Census 2027 operation in Manipur, which was originally scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026. The decision followed a high-level review meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, involving Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the postponement during the eighth session of the Manipur Assembly, stating the move aligns with the wishes of the people. The deferment responds to intense protests from the Meitei community, Nagas, and Meitei Pangals, who demand the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) using 1951 as the base year to identify and deport illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Mizoram. Conversely, the Kuki-Zo Council supported the Census, arguing an impartial headcount would disprove claims that they are illegal migrants.

Government officials cited the need to avoid fresh tensions amid ongoing Kuki-Meitei and Kuki-Naga ethnic conflicts and upcoming state assembly elections. While the Census is postponed, BJP North-East in-charge Sambit Patra stated that the NRC process will be considered separately and handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in due course.