Manipur MP Urges Government to Defer Census and Delimitation

Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has urged the Indian government to defer the ongoing Census and any subsequent delimitation exercises in Manipur. In a letter sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 19, Akoijam argued that current conditions in the state are not conducive to a credible or inclusive enumeration.

Akoijam cited the displacement of nearly 60,000 people and ongoing violence in the Noney, Kamjong, and Ukhrul districts as primary obstacles to a reliable count. He also noted that disruptions to National Highways further hinder the ability to conduct an accurate census.

The MP requested that the exercise be postponed until normalcy is restored and displaced populations are rehabilitated. He further called for the establishment of a formal mechanism for citizenship verification, specifically requesting a National Register of Citizens and a Foreigners Tribunal for Manipur. While Akoijam clarified that he does not oppose the Census itself, he insisted that it must be conducted under conditions that ensure findings are accurate and acceptable.