A protest demanding the identification of illegal immigrants and the implementation of an NRC-like mechanism before conducting the national census was held in Imphal on Wednesday. The demonstration was organised by the Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD).
A large number of protesters, including vendors from the iconic Khwairamband Ima Market, gathered in the city and attempted to march towards the Manipur Legislative Assembly while the Assembly session was in progress. However, heavy deployment of security personnel stopped the demonstrators from moving further.
The protesters criticised the government’s decision to begin the census exercise, alleging that it overlooked long-standing demands to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and identify illegal immigrants in the state.
According to the demonstrators, they have repeatedly urged authorities not to carry out the census until the identification of illegal immigrants—who they claim are blending with indigenous communities—is completed and an NRC-like mechanism is introduced in Manipur.
One protester said the people had elected their representatives with the expectation that they would safeguard the interests of indigenous communities. “Despite repeated appeals, the census process has begun, which is very unfortunate,” he said.
The demonstrators also raised concerns about what they described as increasing challenges posed by illegal immigration and urged the government to address the issue seriously to maintain the trust of indigenous communities.
They warned that the agitation could intensify if the government proceeds with the census without addressing their demands.