Representatives of 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) and community leaders in Manipur met Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale in Imphal on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum highlighting their concerns over the proposed Census and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
NO NRC, NO CENSUS - MANIPUR’S MESSAGE IS CLEAR!
A torch rally from Wabagai to #Kakching on August 30, protesting the proposed census exercise and demanding implementation of the #NRC before any census process
Public concerns must be heard through peaceful dialogue.đź•Ż️#Manipur pic.twitter.com/xVwl0dHimY
— Manipur Odyssey (@ManipurOdyssey) August 31, 2026
NO NRC, NO CENSUS - MANIPUR’S MESSAGE IS CLEAR!
A torch rally from Wabagai to #Kakching on August 30, protesting the proposed census exercise and demanding implementation of the #NRC before any census process
Public concerns must be heard through peaceful dialogue.đź•Ż️#Manipur pic.twitter.com/xVwl0dHimY
The delegation urged the Centre to update the NRC in Manipur using 1951 as the base year and stressed that the exercise should be completed before the Census is conducted in the state.
According to 14 CSOs convenor Nahakpam Shanta, the delegation explained its position to the Union minister and sought government intervention on the issue. The organisations have been campaigning for the identification of genuine Indian citizens and have linked their demand for an NRC with concerns over demographic changes in Manipur.
The demand comes amid a wider campaign by civil society groups seeking clarity on the relationship between the NRC, Census and delimitation exercises. The organisations have maintained that citizenship identification should be addressed before population-related and electoral exercises are undertaken.
The delegation also raised concerns over youths who allegedly took up arms under pressure during the prolonged crisis in Manipur. Shanta said the group appealed to the government to consider a general amnesty for such youths and explore avenues for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The CSOs also proposed the formation of Village Guard Forces as one possible mechanism for rehabilitating and organising youths affected by the conflict.
The meeting with Athawale is part of the continuing efforts by civil society groups to take their concerns directly to the Centre. Earlier, delegations representing 14 CSOs had held meetings with Union ministers and political leaders in New Delhi, pressing for a 1951-based NRC before the Census.
The organisations have maintained that their demand is aimed at ensuring proper identification of citizens and addressing concerns surrounding demographic changes in the state.