Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has opposed the proposed census exercise in Manipur from April 1 and raised objections to the state government’s decision to hand over a case related to the killing of two persons to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the apex Naga body said the enumeration of illegal immigrants through the National Register of Citizens (NRC), or a similar mechanism, must precede any census exercise to ensure that only genuine citizens are included.
The UNC cautioned that conducting the census without such verification could result in the inclusion of non-citizens, thereby distorting demographic data and undermining the purpose of the exercise.
It further noted that the situation in the state remains volatile due to ongoing ethnic tensions and displacement, warning that proceeding with the census under such circumstances could aggravate mistrust among communities.
The council also questioned the rationale behind the state government’s decision to transfer the Thawai incident in Ukhrul district, involving the killing of two individuals, to the NIA. It alleged that the identities of those killed are still unclear.
The Chief Minister, addressing the Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 12, said the government had decided to hand over the case related to the deaths at Thawai Kuki village under Litan Police Station to the NIA.
He also announced that ex gratia would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased in accordance with state government norms.
Kuki civil society organisations, including the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Kuki CSO Working Committee, have been demanding that the investigation into the killing of two Kuki men, Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim, be entrusted to the NIA.
The developments reflect differing positions among key stakeholders in Manipur over both the proposed census and the handling of sensitive cases amid renewed ethnic tensions.