The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has launched a sharp attack on the ongoing Census exercise in Manipur, terming it “premature and impractical” amid prevailing instability, and announced the rescheduling of its proposed rally from March 29 to April 12.
The decision was conveyed during a press meet held at the organisation’s office at Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai, where Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba questioned the government’s intent and preparedness to carry out the Census under current conditions.
Jeetendra Ningomba stated that despite repeated objections and representations made by JFD through various channels, the government has continued to push forward with the Census process without addressing fundamental concerns on the ground. He asserted that the situation in Manipur remains far from normal, pointing out that several districts are yet to regain stability, a large number of internally displaced persons remain unable to return to their homes, and free movement along national highways continues to face disruptions.
Taking strong exception to a recent statement by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand at Manipur University, where he assured that the Census would be conducted in accordance with established norms, JFD described the claim as disconnected from reality. The organisation questioned how any credible enumeration could take place in a climate marked by displacement, restricted mobility, and administrative challenges.
Jeetendra Ningomba further argued that proper identification of residents must precede any Census exercise. He maintained that mechanisms such as the National Register of Citizens or a similar framework should be implemented first to ensure accurate identification. In this context, he clarified that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls cannot serve as a substitute, as it is limited to voters and excludes those below 18 years of age, thereby leaving significant sections of the population unaccounted for.
The JFD convenor also raised concerns over the issue of illegal immigration, stating that failure to detect and address the influx of outsiders before conducting the Census could have serious long-term implications for the state. He urged the government to prioritise identification measures and safeguard the interests of indigenous communities.
Reiterating its opposition to the current approach, JFD announced that the public rally initially scheduled for March 29 has been deferred to April 12, when civil society organisations are expected to come together to deliberate on the issue and chart a collective course of action.