The controversy surrounding the proposed census exercise in Manipur intensified today as protestors under the banner of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) attempted to march towards the Directorate of Census at Porompat in Imphal East, triggering a tense standoff with security forces.
Large groups of demonstrators from Soibam Leikai, Nongmeibung, and Kongpal converged in a coordinated march, raising slogans against the census process and demanding its immediate suspension. However, their advance was halted at Porompat crossing and Kongal Iranpham Thongkhong by heavy deployment of state police and central forces led by the Imphal East Superintendent of Police.
The situation remained tense for hours as protestors tried to push forward, prompting authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures. While the march was blocked, a delegation of 18 JFD representatives was eventually allowed to meet officials of the Census Directorate.
Emerging from the meeting, JFD Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba launched a strong critique of the government’s decision to proceed with the census, describing it as “ill-timed and potentially destabilising” given the prevailing ground realities. He pointed to continued ethnic tensions, restricted inter-district movement, and the presence of internally displaced persons in relief camps as major impediments to conducting a credible enumeration.
He further alleged that discussions with officials indicated a possible community-based approach to enumeration, wherein members of specific communities would be tasked with counting their own groups. Calling this “deeply problematic,” Ningomba warned that such a method could compromise the neutrality and integrity of the census, and risk further entrenching divisions.
The organisation reiterated its core demand that the census be deferred until the identification and detection of illegal immigrants is completed and a National Register of Citizens (NRC) mechanism is put in place. JFD leaders argued that failure to address concerns over alleged demographic changes could render the entire exercise questionable.
Raising broader concerns, the group questioned the consistency of the government’s policy on illegal immigration, particularly in the context of porous borders and ongoing debates over population shifts in the state. It also stressed that any enumeration conducted without first restoring normalcy and resettling displaced populations would lack credibility.
Protestors warned that today’s mobilisation was only the beginning, and signalled plans to intensify agitation if authorities continue with the census without addressing their demands. The developments indicate a growing flashpoint in the state, with the census issue now emerging as a politically and socially sensitive trigger amid Manipur’s fragile situation.