Jeetendra Ningomba has warned that any Census exercise in Manipur without first updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) could trigger opposition and possible boycott, claiming it may deepen existing demographic and identity-related tensions in the state.
He made the remarks at a public meeting held at Wangoo Ima Tampha Lairembi Laibung, jointly organised by Campaign For Just And Fair Delimitation (JFD), Wangoo Ahallup Laipham Club, Meira Paibi groups, and Arambai Tenggol units 12 and 61.
Jeetendra Ningomba said the proposed Census, scheduled to begin from August 16, 2026, should not be carried out without first updating the NRC, arguing that proper verification of residents is essential before enumeration. He cautioned that proceeding without such a process could lead to a boycott from sections of civil society.
He claimed that Manipur has long been facing complex demographic challenges and said unverified population enumeration could further complicate issues related to citizenship, identity, and resource allocation. He maintained that accurate identification of residents is necessary to ensure fairness in the distribution of welfare benefits and development planning.
He also said that representations have already been submitted to the President of India, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Registrar General of India, urging the Centre to complete NRC updating before conducting the Census in the state.
Referring to the national Census framework, he noted that population enumeration has been conducted every ten years since 1951 and forms the basis for planning and governance. However, he insisted that in Manipur’s present context, NRC updating must precede any such exercise.
Jeetendra Ningomba warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to public resistance and organised opposition to the Census process.