“No NRC, No Census”: People’s Convention warns of mass resistance and boycott in Manipur

In a strong and politically charged message to both the Government of India and the Manipur Government, a People’s Convention held at Manipur University today declared that no Census exercise should be conducted in the state until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is updated and illegal immigrants are identified and removed.
The convention, organised by the Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) at the Auditorium Hall of Manipur University, Canchipur, adopted four major resolutions, including a warning that the people of Manipur may launch democratic agitations and even boycott the Census if the authorities proceed without addressing the growing concerns over demographic imbalance and the ongoing displacement crisis triggered by the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.
Moderated by retired Professor W. Nabakumar, the convention brought together intellectuals, civil society representatives and concerned citizens who voiced apprehension over the implications of conducting Census operations in a state still reeling from ethnic conflict, displacement and allegations of unchecked illegal immigration.
The convention observed that thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), whose homes were burnt down or destroyed during the violence, continue to remain in relief camps across the state without permanent rehabilitation. It asserted that under such abnormal circumstances, conducting a Census would produce distorted and unreliable demographic data that could have long-term consequences on political representation, land rights and the future of indigenous communities.
One of the key resolutions categorically opposed the Housing Census scheduled to begin from August 16, 2026, and the Population Enumeration slated from February 1, 2027, unless the NRC is updated first and the state returns to complete normalcy. The gathering maintained that allowing the Census process to proceed without first identifying illegal immigrants would pose a serious threat to the demographic and political integrity of Manipur.
The convention also accused the authorities of ignoring repeated public concerns over unchecked influx and demographic changes in the state.
It warned that if the Centre and the state government continue to push ahead with the Census without addressing these demands, the people may be compelled to intensify democratic movements and launch widespread resistance, including a possible public boycott of the Census exercise.
Calling the issue one of survival and constitutional protection for the indigenous people of Manipur, the convention appealed to all communities of the state to unite and strengthen the movement demanding NRC updation before any Census operation is carried out.
The convention further resolved that the views, suggestions and decisions adopted during the gathering would be disseminated among the public in the coming days as part of a broader awareness and mobilisation campaign.