Imphal: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has temporarily suspended its intensive agitation over the proposed Census 2027 exercise in Manipur, while warning that it will closely monitor the state government’s actions on its demands.

JFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba, speaking at the Citizens’ Club, said sustained public mobilisation had contributed to the decision to defer the house-listing phase of Census 2027 in the state.

He said the Manipur Legislative Assembly had also adopted a resolution urging the Centre to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census. However, Ningomba said the public movement would continue to press for a 1951-based NRC, full staffing of the Manipur State Population Commission, enactment of a state population policy and publication of a white paper detailing the NRC process.

Government spokesperson Dr Sapam Ranjan had said on October 3 that the state government would approach the Centre seeking the complete deferment of census-related work in Manipur.

According to the government, steps have also been initiated to strengthen the Population Commission, formulate a population policy and prepare the proposed NRC white paper.

Following these assurances and consultations with members of the public, the JFD and its task force decided to temporarily halt the intensive phase of their agitation.

Ningomba, however, warned that the movement could be intensified again if the government fails to make satisfactory progress on the commitments. He said routine campaigns and sit-ins would continue during the interim period.

Meanwhile, the campaign received a political boost on Monday, with former Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren and three other MLAs expressing support for updating the NRC before the census.

Members of the JFD Women’s Wing secured the commitments during separate meetings with Biren, representing Heingang Assembly constituency, Dinganglung Gangmei of Nungba, Khumukcham Joykisan of Thangmeiband and RK Imo of Sagolband.

The women’s wing submitted a five-point memorandum to the legislators, seeking written declarations supporting the updating of a 1951-based NRC before the commencement of the census.

The JFD said it would continue to monitor developments and decide on further action based on the government’s progress on its demands.