📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Andy Doane
Politics
Manipur protests intensify over ‘No NRC, No Census’ demand amid indigenous displacement fears
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 05:48 AM
👁 5
Protests in Manipur against the National Register of Citizens and the upcoming census have grown, with indigenous groups warning of potential displacement.
Manipur has witnessed a surge in street demonstrations as activists, tribal organisations and local residents rally under the banner “No NRC, No Census.” The movement, which began earlier this year, has gained momentum this week, with gatherings reported across several districts.
Protesters argue that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the forthcoming census could be used to identify and marginalise indigenous communities, potentially leading to forced displacement. They contend that the processes lack adequate safeguards for the state’s distinct ethnic groups and fear that data could be misused to alter demographic balances.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns but maintain that both the NRC and the census are essential for national security and planning. While dialogues between government representatives and community leaders are ongoing, the agitation shows no sign of abating, with further rallies expected in the coming days.
The heightened unrest has prompted local authorities to increase security measures in key towns to ensure public order, though they have urged demonstrators to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful channels for their grievances.
The situation remains fluid, and observers note that the outcome of these protests could influence broader debates on citizenship verification and demographic data collection across the country.
Protesters argue that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the forthcoming census could be used to identify and marginalise indigenous communities, potentially leading to forced displacement. They contend that the processes lack adequate safeguards for the state’s distinct ethnic groups and fear that data could be misused to alter demographic balances.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns but maintain that both the NRC and the census are essential for national security and planning. While dialogues between government representatives and community leaders are ongoing, the agitation shows no sign of abating, with further rallies expected in the coming days.
The heightened unrest has prompted local authorities to increase security measures in key towns to ensure public order, though they have urged demonstrators to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful channels for their grievances.
The situation remains fluid, and observers note that the outcome of these protests could influence broader debates on citizenship verification and demographic data collection across the country.