Several civil society organisations in Manipur have urged the State Assembly to adopt a resolution to defer the Census until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) or a similar legal mechanism is implemented to detect illegal migrants.

Addressing the media at the office of the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) in Keishampat, Shanta Nahakpam, General Secretary of the United Committee Manipur (UCM), said the press briefing was held in response to a recent statement by the Chief Minister regarding the conduct of the Census and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking on behalf of several organisations, including Kangleipak Integrity and Legislative League (KILL) and All Communities Organisation Association Manipur (ACOAM) Lup, Nahakpam said the Chief Minister had indicated that the SIR would be conducted first, followed by the house-listing process for the Census.

He said there is a significant difference between the demands of the people of Manipur and the government’s position. According to him, the SIR has no direct connection with either the NRC or the Census, as it is only an administrative exercise related to electoral rolls, aimed at identifying deceased voters, enrolling new voters and removing ineligible names.

The civil society groups maintained that the people of Manipur have been demanding the updating of the NRC before conducting the Census in the state.