The Manipur census has been deferred after the Centre took into account concerns raised by people and civil society organisations, the BJP said. The decision came amid demands for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be updated before population enumeration in the state.
The first phase of Census 2027, including house listing, was scheduled to begin in Manipur on September 1. However, the Union government decided to put the exercise on hold following a high-level meeting in New Delhi on August 31.
Manipur census deferred after public concerns
Manipur BJP president A Sharda Devi said the Manipur census was deferred after the government listened to concerns raised by the public. She said the government was taking a step-by-step approach to the NRC demand while consulting both the state and Centre.
The development followed sustained demands from civil society groups, particularly organisations seeking an NRC update before the census. These groups have argued that citizenship and demographic concerns should be addressed before population data is collected.
The BJP said the decision reflected the concerns expressed by people in the state. Meanwhile, the issue has remained politically sensitive because of Manipur’s prolonged ethnic conflict and competing demands from different communities.
NRC demand remains at the centre
The demand for an NRC update has been a major factor behind opposition to the Manipur census. A delegation representing 14 civil society organisations travelled to New Delhi in August to press for the NRC to be updated before the census exercise.
The delegation met central leaders and officials and raised concerns about migration, citizenship verification and demographic changes. It also sought discussions on how indigenous residents, permanent residents and people who entered the state later could be identified under a clear legal framework.
However, the NRC demand has not received uniform support across communities. Reports indicate that Kuki groups have opposed the call to conduct an NRC before the census, highlighting the wider differences surrounding the issue.
Political and social concerns
The decision also followed protests and strikes linked to the census and NRC issue. On September 1, normal life was affected in several valley districts as businesses and schools remained shut during a 24-hour strike demanding an NRC update before the census.
The BJP and the state government have urged stakeholders to pursue dialogue instead of continued shutdowns. The Centre’s decision to defer the exercise may provide additional time for consultations on the concerns raised by different groups.
High-level meeting leads to decision
The decision to defer the Manipur census followed a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials attended the meeting.
After the meeting, the chief minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah for considering the concerns of people in Manipur. He also acknowledged the efforts of civil society organisations and BJP legislators who had raised the issue with central leaders.
The Manipur High Court was also informed about the decision during proceedings involving petitions related to the census. A special bench directed that the census operations remain deferred, with the next hearing scheduled for October 12, 2026.
What happens to Manipur census next
The deferment does not settle the wider questions surrounding the Manipur census, NRC and citizenship verification. Instead, it creates more time for the Centre, state government and stakeholders to discuss the way forward.
Civil society representatives have previously called for wider consultations involving different communities. They have also sought clarity on the legal mechanism that could be used to identify foreign nationals and address migration-related concerns.
For now, the census exercise remains on hold in Manipur. The government’s next steps are expected to depend on further consultations and the broader political and security situation in the state.
The decision gives authorities an opportunity to address concerns before restarting the exercise. At the same time, ensuring that any future census process is credible, inclusive and acceptable to communities across Manipur will remain a key challenge.
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