The United People’s Front (UPF), Manipur has called on the government to defer the proposed census operations, reportedly scheduled to begin in April, until illegal immigrants are properly identified and deported.
In a statement, UPF, Manipur expressed concern over the current situation in the state, stating that members of the Meitei community are still unable to travel along key National Highways, including Kanglatombi, Keithelmanbi, and Pallen. At the same time, the Tangkhul Naga community is reportedly unable to pass through the Imphal–Ukhrul road, with some resorting to helicopter services for transportation.
The UPF, Manipur urged the government to take immediate steps to restore normalcy and ensure free movement for all communities.
UPF, manipur further stated that the identification of “outsiders” should be carried out based on the 1951 base year. It emphasised that the census should only be conducted after the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) or similar legal mechanisms.
Additionally, UPF, Manipur announced that it will extend support to the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation in its future agitations.