Manipur is waiting for Delhi’s decision on the upcoming census while Meitei and Naga civil groups demand that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be compiled first. The Manipur High Court has set a special bench to hear a petition on the issue.

  • Delhi’s decision on the census is still pending
  • Meitei and Naga groups demand NRC before census
  • Manipur High Court forms special bench for KSA petition

Current Situation

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) has not yet issued clear guidelines for the 2027 census in Manipur. Several Meitei and Naga civil‑society organisations are insisting that a National Register of Citizens (NRC) be finalized first, effectively putting the census on hold.

Civil‑Society Demands

The Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) and at least 14 other groups are in Delhi lobbying the Union government for an NRC. They argue that the 2023‑24 Kuki‑Meitei ethnic violence displaced thousands, potentially skewing demographic data.

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High Court Special Bench

The Manipur High Court constituted a Special Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M. Sundar and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma to hear the petition on August 25 at 2 p.m. The court’s notice specifies that the bench will consider only this writ petition.

Obstacles to Census Operations

The first phase—Population, House Listing and Housing (HLO)—is slated for September 1‑30. Training of enumerators, mainly government school teachers, has been halted amid protests, and the self‑enumeration portal slated for August 17 remains offline. A state official said, "A decision from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is awaited; clarity should come soon."

"The demand for an NRC first reflects not just security concerns but also a fight for equitable political representation," said political analyst Dr. Rajat Singh.

Historical Background

In 2011, census operations were blocked in over 100 villages in Chhattisgarh and 260 villages in West Bengal due to Left‑Wing Extremism. Manipur’s own 2023‑24 Kuki‑Meitei clash produced similar displacement and tension, underscoring the vulnerability of large‑scale data collection in conflict zones.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that delaying the census without a clear NRC framework could distort demographic data, affect resource allocation, and influence the upcoming delimitation of electoral constituencies, potentially marginalizing minority tribes.

Did You Know?: Manipur’s three major communities—Meitei, Naga and Kuki‑Zo—play a decisive role in the state’s future political map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Will the census proceed without an NRC?

Answer: The government is weighing the NRC demand seriously, so a delay in the census is possible.

Question 2: What could be the outcome of the High Court hearing?

Answer: If the court advises prioritising the NRC, the census schedule may be revised accordingly.