Zeliangrong Union demands NRC in Manipur before Census

The Zeliangrong Union has called for immediate implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur with 1951 as the base year, urging that the exercise be completed prior to the upcoming Census of India.
In a press release, the Union expressed concern over what it described as unchecked illegal immigration, alleging that it is altering the demographic composition of the state and posing risks to the political rights, land ownership, and cultural identity of indigenous communities.
The organisation cited constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 21 and 29, and stated that the Union Government has an obligation under Article 355 to protect states from external aggression and internal disturbances. It maintained that continued inaction on the issue could undermine these safeguards.
Highlighting ground conditions, the Union pointed to districts such as Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Pherzawl, where it claimed there has been a noticeable increase in villages and population over a short period. It called for a comprehensive audit and verification process to assess these changes.
The Union further argued that conducting the Census without first implementing NRC could distort demographic data and electoral representation. It also stated that while the Inner Line Permit system exists, it is insufficient without a verified citizen registry.
Among its key demands, the Union called for a time-bound NRC exercise, completion of the process before the Census, strengthened border security, and identification and deportation of illegal immigrants in accordance with law.
The organisation warned that failure to address these demands could lead to democratic forms of agitation, stating that the issue concerns the protection of identity, land and rights of indigenous people.