The Meitei Tribe Union (MTU) has called for greater clarity on the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, asserting that an accurate population database is essential for addressing concerns over illegal immigration and demographic changes in the state.
In a press statement, the MTU said the ongoing Census process, conducted under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, should be complemented by an effective NRC exercise to identify and distinguish citizens from illegal immigrants. It expressed concern over uncertainty surrounding the timing and modalities of the NRC despite repeated demands from civil society organisations for its implementation.
The organisation alleged that existing legal provisions, including the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, have failed to adequately check illegal immigration. It further questioned the effectiveness of provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, claiming that illegal immigrants continue to settle in the state without effective identification or legal action.
The MTU also raised concerns over alleged demographic changes linked to the influx of people from Myanmar following the 2021 military takeover there. Citing a report attributed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, it claimed that around 64,300 people from Myanmar entered Manipur between 2021 and 2025. The organisation also referred to alleged growth of settlements and changes in population patterns since 1951.
It called for transparent and verifiable demographic data, particularly amid reports of a large number of unrecognised villages in the state. The MTU said accurate data being compiled by the Manipur State Population Commission should form the basis for future policy decisions.
