The Union Government has postponed the Census 2027 operations in Manipur, officials confirmed on Tuesday following a high-level review meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The decision responds to ongoing demands from local groups calling for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be updated in Manipur prior to the census exercise.
The review meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, included Manipur Governor Anju Kumari Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and other senior officials. According to a senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office, participants discussed the concerns raised by residents regarding the timing of the census amid unresolved issues related to the NRC. The government agreed to defer the census to address the sentiments and aspirations of the people in the state.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh acknowledged the decision and appealed for calm, cautioning against the use of bandhs and general strikes as means to press demands. He emphasized that such actions would impose greater hardships on the public rather than fostering dialogue. Instead, he called for continued engagement from civil society groups and assured that the government remains committed to consulting and collaborating with stakeholders to resolve the state’s complex sociopolitical challenges.
The postponement follows significant protests organized by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, which began on the night of August 17. The demonstrations, concentrated mainly in the Imphal Valley, involved calls for an updated NRC document prior to the census and were supported by various student and youth organizations, women’s groups, and civil society bodies. The agitation led to widespread shutdowns on August 18 and 19, disrupting daily life.
The situation in Manipur reflects broader regional sensitivities regarding the NRC and census processes, underscoring the government’s effort to balance administrative requirements with local concerns. Authorities appear intent on preventing further unrest by engaging with community demands before proceeding with the Census 2027 operations in the state.