Manipur IDPs oppose Census 2027 amid displacement crisis, cite inaccuracy risks

Imphal, April 3: With concerns over the Census already triggering tensions in Manipur in recent months, internally displaced persons (IDPs) have now openly opposed the exercise, citing the continuing displacement crisis and lack of normalcy across the state.

IDPs from Ikou, currently residing at Sajiwa Relief Camp, staged a protest on Friday, questioning the timing of the Census and warning that conducting it under present conditions could lead to serious inaccuracies, exclusion, and long-term implications on identity and entitlements.

The protest reflects growing unease among displaced communities even as the government moves ahead with preparations for Census 2027.

During the demonstration, participants expressed apprehension that thousands of displaced individuals, still unable to return to their homes, may not be properly counted.

Jeetendra Ningomba, convener, Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (CJFD), said the ground situation in Manipur does not support a credible Census exercise.

“We are organising this public awareness programme on the issue of the Census. While the Government of India has decided to conduct it across the country, Manipur continues to face a turmoil situation where administrative control is not fully restored in all areas. Many people remain confined and displaced, unable to move freely,” he said.

Ningomba expressed that such conditions would prevent authorities from capturing an accurate demographic picture.

“In this situation, the government cannot obtain a fair and accurate report. Therefore, we appeal to the Government of Manipur and the Government of India, especially the Registrar General of India, to defer the Census,” he added.

Ningomba pointed out that many of those participating in the protest have been living in relief camps for over two years, underscoring the prolonged nature of the crisis.

The IDPs reiterated that rehabilitation and safe return must take precedence over any large-scale administrative exercise. They warned that proceeding with the Census now could misrepresent affected populations and adversely impact their future rights and entitlements.

The protest comes in the backdrop of a notification issued in the Manipur Gazette (Extraordinary) on March 23, 2026, by the Home Department.

As per the notification, houselisting operations for Census 2027 in the state are scheduled from September 1 to September 30, 2026, while the self-enumeration window has been fixed between August 17 and August 31.

The Census issue has already seen unrest in parts of the state, with earlier protests linked to demands around NRC and concerns over demographic representation.

Manipur continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged ethnic unrest, with thousands still living in relief camps, making the Census exercise a sensitive and contested issue.