Campaign seeks Assembly resolution to defer Census, flags illegal immigration concerns

The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation has urged all Members of the Legislative Assembly to move and adopt a resolution during the expected Manipur Legislative Assembly session, likely to be held on February 6, seeking deferment of the census exercise in the state.
The campaign stated that if such a resolution is not taken, the state could face serious long-term consequences. It maintained that conducting the census at this juncture would adversely affect the interests of indigenous people.
The demand was reiterated during a public meeting jointly organised by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation and the Sandha Leima Women’s Association, Kokchai, at Kokchai Community Hall. Speaking at the meeting, campaign convenor Jeetendra Ningomba said the census is a sensitive exercise meant to determine the actual population and must be carried out strictly as per norms.
He alleged that unregulated immigration from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar has significantly altered population patterns in several areas. He also cited sharp increases in the number of villages in certain hill districts over the years, which he said raises serious concerns.
The campaign further asserted that unless issues related to illegal immigration are addressed through measures such as updating the National Register of Citizens, conducting a census would be inappropriate. It noted that census exercises have been deferred in other states and regions under special circumstances and maintained that Manipur deserves similar consideration.