On Monday, the Union Government decided to defer the Census exercise in Manipur after a high‑level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, examined the current situation in the state and was attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials.
Officials discussed demands from sections of Manipur’s population to postpone the Census until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is implemented. Citing the sentiments and aspirations of the people, the participants concluded that the Census should be deferred.
Following the decision, Chief Minister Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Shah and other central leaders for listening to concerns. He also thanked BJP national president Nitin Nabin for his support and praised the efforts of 14 civil‑society organisations and a delegation of BJP MLAs who recently travelled to New Delhi to campaign for NRC implementation.
Singh warned that bandhs and general strikes would not advance demands and would cause hardship to ordinary citizens. He urged civil‑society groups to continue dialogue, cooperate with the administration and help address the socio‑political challenges facing the state. He reaffirmed that both the Manipur and Union governments remain committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
