Shanjoy Ahanthem urges state Assembly to defer census until NRC is conducted

Social worker Shanjoy Ahanthem has urged the Manipur Legislative Assembly to adopt a resolution requesting the Ministry of Home Affairs to defer the Census in the state until a strict National Register of Citizens (NRC) is conducted to identify and deport illegal immigrants.
In a statement, Shanjoy Ahanthem said Manipur is currently facing multiple challenges, including the influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. He stated that the continued entry of undocumented migrants has raised concerns about demographic changes and security issues affecting indigenous communities.
He maintained that conducting the Census under the present circumstances could result in illegal immigrants being recorded as legitimate Indian citizens. He also warned that several newly emerged and unrecognised settlements could be counted as official villages if the Census is carried out without proper verification.
Shanjoy Ahanthem clarified that the people of Manipur are not opposed to the Census itself, which is an important constitutional exercise of the Government of India. However, he pointed out that past Census data had already shown unusual population growth in certain hill areas compared to the valley districts, raising questions about unchecked migration.
He further said that the ongoing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023 has displaced thousands of people, many of whom are currently staying in relief camps, making it difficult to conduct an accurate Census in the state.
Citing guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs, he noted that Census operations may be postponed in regions experiencing conflict, internal instability, restricted movement and large-scale displacement.