Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, August 19:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has reiterated its firm demand that no Census or delimitation exercise be undertaken in Manipur until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is implemented, warning that population figures based on an allegedly distorted demographic landscape could have far-reaching consequences for the rights, identity and political representation of indigenous communities.
In a strongly worded press release, the UNC said its position had already been conveyed to the Government of India through a Joint Memorandum dated May 3, 2024, submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Governor of Manipur by the UNC and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
The Naga apex body expressed deep concern over what it described as the “unchecked and continuous influx” of illegal immigrants into Manipur from neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as other regions.
According to the UNC, such demographic changes over the decades have contributed to serious demographic distortion and ethnic tensions, while posing threats to the identity, land, natural resources and socio-political rights of indigenous peoples.
The Council also pointed to what it termed an “abnormal increase” in recognised and unrecognised villages in certain districts when government records from the 1950–69 period are compared with the 2011 Census.
The UNC claimed that the proliferation of unrecognised villages and the alleged growth of settlements without proper verification warranted urgent scrutiny. It further alleged that attempts were being made by certain groups of illegal settlers to claim exclusive areas and territory, allegedly in collusion with disruptive forces.
Against this backdrop, the UNC demanded the immediate implementation of an NRC in Manipur with 1951 as the base year, saying it was essential to identify and deport illegal immigrants and establish a verified record of bona-fide citizens and indigenous communities.
It also demanded that no Census be conducted until the NRC process is completed, arguing that a verified database must precede any fresh population enumeration.
Similarly, the Council opposed any delimitation of Assembly constituencies before completion of the NRC, asserting that delimitation based on allegedly distorted population figures could result in “grave injustice” to indigenous communities and alter their political representation.
The UNC further called for an immediate halt to what it described as the random recognition of villages without proper verification, demanding a clearly defined cut-off or base year for determining the legitimacy of existing settlements.
Reiterating its core position, the UNC declared that “NRC must precede Census and Delimitation”, urging both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to act immediately in what it described as the public interest and to safeguard the identity, land, rights and future of Manipur’s indigenous peoples.
The statement was signed by H. James Hau, Information and Publicity Secretary, United Naga Council.
