By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A large number of people gathered in Imphal on June 8 for a mass demonstration demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated before the upcoming census process in Manipur.
The protest march was organized by a coalition of 14 civil society organisations operating under the collective platform “14 CSOs Kangleipak”. The procession started from Tiddim Ground in Imphal West and concluded at THAU Ground, where participants also held a public meeting.
The rally saw participation from various sections of society, including students, youths, internally displaced persons, artists, and members of indigenous communities. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans emphasizing the need for an updated NRC, linking it to concerns over identity protection and administrative clarity.
Speaking at the gathering, coordinator Shanta Nahakpam alleged that repeated appeals for NRC updation in Manipur have not been given adequate consideration by the central authorities, despite similar concerns being addressed elsewhere in the country.
He also referred to a recent initiative by the Union government to form a high-level committee to study demographic changes across states and submit a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs within a year. He stressed that Manipur’s situation requires special focus due to its international border, ongoing peace processes and sensitive demographic issues.
Nahakpam further maintained that an updated NRC is essential ahead of any future delimitation exercise, warning that inaccurate population data could impact political representation as well as the rights of indigenous communities.
He urged the inclusion of a representative from the Manipur government in the newly formed committee, stating that local involvement is necessary to ensure a more accurate understanding of the state’s conditions.
He also highlighted concerns over the porous India-Myanmar border and alleged cross-border trafficking networks, stating that these factors make Manipur’s demographic challenges distinct from those of neighboring states.