As part of the ongoing campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), a public meeting on “Census and Delimitation” was held yesterday at the community hall of Eastern Educational Club, Khurai Ahongei, in Imphal East. The programme was organised in collaboration with Khurai Ahongei Thangjam Leikai Nupi Kanglup and Khurai Ahongei Meira Paibi.
The meeting was attended by Jeetendra Ningomba, Convenor of Just and Fair Delimitation, Adhikarimayum Ridimala, President of Khurai Ahongei Thangjam Leikai Nupi Kanglup, and Laishram Memcha, former Councillor of Ward No. 23, who served as presidium members. Sunil Karam, Secretary (Finance), Just and Fair Delimitation, and Kangjam Maharabi, Secretary (IPR), Just and Fair Delimitation, attended as resource persons.
Speaking on the occasion, Jeetendra Ningomba stated that the nationwide household survey scheduled from April 1 to September 2026 and the Census beginning March 1, 2027 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, were not appropriate in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state. He said Manipur was passing through a war-like situation where people from one district could not freely travel to another, normal movement along the national highways remained affected, and many internally displaced persons had yet to return to their homes. Conducting the Census under such circumstances, he stated, would neither be just nor fair.
He further said that before undertaking the Census, the government should first implement the National Register of Citizens and identify illegal migrants.
He maintained that in the current situation, without properly identifying who is an indigenous inhabitant and who is an illegal migrant, an accurate and credible population enumeration would not be possible. He added that since the Census is conducted once every ten years and forms the basis for long-term planning, it must be carried out in a transparent and systematic manner.
During the meeting, speakers appealed to civil society organisations, political parties, both ruling and opposition, and the general public to set aside differences and collectively work towards ensuring a fair Census process. They also called for unity among all communities to safeguard the integrity of Manipur and to move forward on a common path for peaceful coexistence and shared progress.