India Defers Manipur Census Amid NRC Update Protests

The Government of India deferred census operations in Manipur on September 1, 2026, after civil society organizations protested and demanded an update to the National Register of Citizens before the census began. The decision followed a high-level review meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in attendance.

Concurrent with the central government's decision, the Manipur High Court ordered a halt to all census-related activities, including house-listing, until the Registrar General of India issues further notification.

In the Manipur Assembly, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam addressed concerns over border fencing and state integrity. He urged community and religious leaders to assist in resolving the state's trust deficit to restore peace.