JFD reiterates demand to defer census in Manipur until completion of NRC

The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) has reiterated its demand that the forthcoming Census exercise in Manipur be deferred until the completion of an NRC or a similar verification mechanism to ensure accuracy in population enumeration.
The stand was reaffirmed during a public meeting held at Wangoi Laiphrakpam Makha Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West district as part of the organisation’s ongoing awareness campaign across various locations in connection with the Census scheduled to commence in April by the Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, JFD Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba stated that conducting the Census in Manipur from April would not be appropriate in view of the prevailing situation in the state. He urged the MLAs and Ministers of Manipur to take necessary steps to seek deferment of the Census for a certain period.
He contended that the Census exercise would not reflect accurate demographic data if migrants who have entered the state from outside are included in the enumeration without prior verification. Referring to past instances where Census operations were reportedly deferred in other states due to prevailing conditions, he questioned why similar consideration should not be extended to Manipur.
Jeetendra Ningomba maintained that proper identification and verification of residents must precede the Census process. He cautioned that if the Government of India proceeds with the Census without addressing concerns over undocumented migrants, it could adversely affect the indigenous communities of the state.
Stating that safeguarding the future demographic structure of Manipur is a collective responsibility, he asserted that the Census should be conducted only after implementing the National Register of Citizens or an equivalent mechanism. He further warned that any adverse consequences arising from an unverified enumeration would be the responsibility of the authorities concerned.