The Manipur NRC demand has received a fresh assurance from the state government, with spokesperson Sapam Ranjan appealing to the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) to put its September 30 deadline on hold. He said the government is taking the organisation’s demands seriously and working to translate them into action.
The appeal comes after months of protests over demands to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before the Census. The JFD has also sought the use of 1951 as the base year for the NRC exercise and a clearer government position on the issue.
Manipur NRC demand remains central to talks
Speaking at a press conference in Imphal West on October 3, Sapam Ranjan said the state government was considering the memorandum submitted by the JFD. He appealed to the organisation to pause its deadline and work with the government.
“I would like to appeal to the JFD to put the deadline on hold, and then let us all work together,” Ranjan said, according to India Today NE.
The government spokesperson said the demands concern the future and development of Manipur and affect different sections of society. He also said the government would continue efforts to address public concerns linked to the Census and NRC.
Manipur NRC demand and the 1951 base year
The JFD has consistently demanded that Manipur update the NRC before the Census, with 1951 used as the base year. The organisation has argued that the exercise should help address concerns surrounding citizenship, migration and the state’s demographic profile.
The campaign intensified in September after the JFD set deadlines for the government to communicate its position to the Centre. On September 26, the organisation said it wanted a concrete response by September 30.
The JFD Women Wing also continued a signature campaign seeking legislators’ positions on the “No NRC, No Census” demand. On September 30, it said several MLAs had signed declarations supporting the demand for an NRC update using 1951 as the base year before the Census.
Manipur NRC demand has driven protests
The issue has triggered repeated protests and pressure campaigns across the state. In late September, JFD-linked protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence to submit their demands. Security forces stopped the gathering near the Palace Compound, and reports said tear gas was used to disperse protesters.
Earlier, the JFD had also announced plans to intensify its campaign and called for action against government offices over the NRC issue.
Census process remains another key issue
The Union government deferred house-listing operations for Census 2027 in the state in September amid protests and demands for an NRC update before the population exercise.
The JFD, however, has sought a wider deferment of Census-related activities until the NRC issue is settled. It has also raised concerns about the enumeration of internally displaced people and their rehabilitation before the Census.
At the same time, the state government has repeatedly said it is aware of the demand. Earlier in September, government spokespersons said Manipur wants the NRC to be conducted before the Census and urged the JFD to withdraw disruptive forms of agitation.
Government seeks cooperation on Manipur NRC demand
The latest government appeal could provide an opportunity for further discussions between the state administration and the JFD. Ranjan said the government would handle the issues raised in the memorandum with “utmost sincerity” and asked the organisation to cooperate. The government’s latest statement offers an assurance of action, but the precise administrative steps and timeline for any NRC exercise remain to be clarified.