A fresh wave of protests broke out in Manipur on Sunday as student demonstrators gathered outside the Directorate of Census Operations in Imphal to press for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens prior to the nationwide census. The participants staged the demonstration to voice their strong opposition to conducting demographic exercises without first identifying undocumented migrants in the region.
Police Intervention and Tear Gas Firing
Tensions escalated when members of the crowd attempted to breach the office premises, prompting security personnel to intervene. When several demonstrators tried to lock the main entrance gate, police deployed tear gas shells to disperse the gathering. Authorities reported that one protester sustained minor injuries during the security action.
Evening Torch Rallies Across Imphal
As the evening progressed, the agitation widened with hundreds of participants from Imphal East and Imphal West joining a torchlight procession. Large groups, notably comprising women, marched through various sectors of Imphal carrying banners and chanting slogans in favour of executing the register before any enumeration begins.
Blockades Near Key Government Landmarks
Security forces intercepted the marchers at Keisampat Junction in Imphal West, a strategic location situated less than one hundred metres away from the Lok Bhavan and the ruling party office. In addition to the march, demonstrators formed human chains along roadways at Naoremthong in Imphal West and Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East to reinforce their message.
Concerns Regarding Indigenous Rights
Organisers and participants argued that proceeding with the census ahead of the NRC could inadvertently grant legitimate Indian citizenship status to illegal immigrants arriving from neighbouring territories. They cautioned that such an outcome would severely jeopardise the rights of indigenous populations and potentially marginalize them within their own homeland.
Upcoming Census Schedule and Previous Disruption
The protests occurred right before the house-listing phase of Census 2027, which is scheduled to commence with self-enumeration on August 17, followed by the main listing exercise from September 1 to September 30. Earlier on Friday, members of the same student coalition disrupted an enumerator and supervisor training workshop at Moirang College in Bishnupur district, forcing attendees to leave by displaying placards reading No NRC, No Census.
Leadership Standpoint on the Issue
Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation Students Wing convenor Naorem Wangamba stated that the group has consistently advocated for the citizenship verification process to weed out unauthorized settlers, expressing disappointment that authorities are advancing the census without addressing this core demand. He emphasized that establishing the register remains vital to safeguarding the interests of future generations.
