A three-day training programme for Census enumerators and supervisors scheduled at GM Hall in Imphal was cancelled amid mounting opposition from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and women’s groups demanding that the Census exercise in Manipur be deferred until an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The cancellation came as protests against the proposed Census intensified, with the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) and other CSOs maintaining that an NRC update should precede the Census. The JFD has been raising the demand since April 8, 2025, and has recently stepped up its campaign through strikes and sustained protests.
Several women’s groups have also been holding day-and-night demonstrations in different areas, adding to pressure on the state government to suspend preparations for the Census.
Despite the opposition, the government had continued preparatory activities, including the planned three-day training of enumerators and supervisors at GM Hall, a prominent venue in central Imphal.
However, amid the heightened tension, a handwritten message stating “Training Cancel” was found on a sheet of paper at the main gate of GM Hall on today morning. The development came against the backdrop of warnings from CSOs opposing the Census exercise.
The cancellation is likely to add to growing uncertainty over the government’s ability to proceed with Census-related activities in Manipur without addressing the concerns raised by civil society groups.
