JFD submits memorandum to national authorities seeking NRC updation in Manipur and postponement of Census operations until normalcy returns.
Headline:
JFD Seeks NRC Update, Census Delay Until Normalcy Returns
Imphal, May 22: Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD), Manipur has submitted a memorandum to the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, and the Registrar General of India (RGI), urging the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur and seeking postponement of Census operations until normal conditions return to the state.
According to a press release issued by the organisation, JFD representative Kangjam Maharabi, Secretary, IPR, travelled to New Delhi and submitted the memorandum on May 19. The organisation also submitted a reminder copy of an earlier memorandum that had been addressed to the Union Home Minister on December 15, 2025.
JFD stated that preparations are underway for Census-related activities in Manipur under the framework of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. According to the release, preparations have been made to conduct the Housing Census from August 16, 2026, followed by Population Enumeration beginning February 1, 2027.
The organisation expressed concern over carrying out Census activities in the present situation in Manipur and argued that individuals it described as illegal immigrants may be included in the enumeration process if the exercise proceeds before an update of the NRC.
According to JFD, inclusion in the Census without prior verification would raise concerns relating to demographic records and resource distribution and could affect the interests of indigenous communities in the state. The memorandum therefore urged both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to first undertake an update of the NRC process in Manipur to identify individuals residing without legal recognition before conducting Housing Census and Population Enumeration exercises.
JFD stated that the delegation travelled to Delhi with the objective of pressing for postponement of Census operations until what it described as identification of illegal immigrants is completed through NRC updation. The organisation maintained that the demand forms part of its broader campaign seeking what it terms a “just and fair delimitation” process and linked demographic concerns to future administrative and political outcomes.
The release further stated that if the concerns raised by groups advocating for identification of illegal immigrants are not addressed, public mobilisation on the issue may intensify under the campaign slogan of “Updating NRC Before Census”.
JFD also appealed to the public to participate in awareness efforts and support its campaign across Manipur. As part of this appeal, the organisation called upon local clubs and Meira Paibi groups to play an active role and encouraged the holding of a joint mass convention to discuss the issue and build collective understanding.
