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Politics
Manipur Awaits Delhi's Decision on Census Amid Calls for NRC First
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 01:18 AM
👁 3
Manipur is waiting for the central government's decision on the upcoming census, while Meitei and Naga organisations have pressed for the National Register of Citizens to be completed before the count.
Manipur officials have indicated that the state is holding its breath for a final directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the schedule and methodology of the 2024 census. The decision is expected to clarify whether the census will proceed as planned or be postponed pending other administrative measures.
At the same time, representatives of the Meitei community and Naga tribal groups have jointly appealed to the centre to prioritize the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census is conducted. They argue that an updated citizen register is essential to resolve longstanding identity and land‑ownership disputes in the state.
The demand for an NRC first has drawn attention from political leaders across the region, with some warning that proceeding with the census without a definitive citizen list could exacerbate ethnic tensions. The central government has not yet issued a formal response, leaving the state in a state of uncertainty as the census deadline approaches.
At the same time, representatives of the Meitei community and Naga tribal groups have jointly appealed to the centre to prioritize the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census is conducted. They argue that an updated citizen register is essential to resolve longstanding identity and land‑ownership disputes in the state.
The demand for an NRC first has drawn attention from political leaders across the region, with some warning that proceeding with the census without a definitive citizen list could exacerbate ethnic tensions. The central government has not yet issued a formal response, leaving the state in a state of uncertainty as the census deadline approaches.