Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh has called on the Manipur Assembly to adopt a resolution to defer the upcoming census in the state until normalcy is restored. He argued that conducting a headcount would not accurately represent the demographic reality in Manipur due to ongoing issues of resettlement and rehabilitation for displaced families and the need for identification of illegal immigrants. Singh emphasized that many displaced individuals are currently not in their homes, and requiring them to participate in the census would cause significant inconveniences.
Highlighting the logistical challenges posed by the displaced population, he questioned how the houses of these individuals could be accurately listed during the census scheduled to take place from April to September. Since ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups has resulted in over 260 deaths and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023, Singh’s appeal for a deferral is rooted in these humanitarian concerns. He also pointed out that the second phase of the census is expected to take place in February-March 2027, when the actual population count would occur.
Singh’s call for a resolution to delay the census was supported by the sentiment that any census conducted under the current circumstances would fail to reflect an accurate portrayal of the state’s demographics. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has acknowledged the situation, stating that after the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the completion of house listings, the census would be conducted, indicating that the process will require time before it can be feasibly carried out.