Manipur Kuki-Zo Group Questions Census Delay, Calls For President’s Rule

A Kuki-Zo organisation in Manipur has questioned the Centre’s decision to defer the Census exercise in the state, saying the move was taken without considering the concerns of the community. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) also called for the reimposition of President’s Rule, alleging that the present state government has failed to ensure the safety of people.

In a statement, the KZC said the decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The meeting reportedly considered the demand for “No Census Before NRC” raised by 14 civil society organisations representing the Meitei and Naga communities.

The Kuki-Zo group, however, said no Kuki-Zo organisation was part of that demand. It questioned how the decision could be presented as reflecting the “feelings and aspirations” of the people of Manipur when, according to the council, one of the state’s major communities was not represented.

The demand for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has emerged from concerns among Meitei and Naga groups over possible demographic changes in the state. They have alleged that illegal immigrants from neighbouring Myanmar could enter Manipur, citing ethnic links with the Kuki population.

The KZC also raised concerns over the security situation, saying it had hoped the change in government would bring greater stability and normalcy. Instead, it alleged that attacks and killings have continued.

“If the state government cannot protect its citizens, the Centre must act,” the organisation said, arguing that its people had felt safer during the earlier period of President’s Rule.

Manipur has remained deeply divided since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, leaving at least 260 people dead and thousands displaced.

Following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, President’s Rule was imposed in the state on February 13, 2025. It was lifted on February 4 this year, after which Y Khemchand Singh became chief minister.

The latest demand adds another layer to the continuing political and security challenges facing Manipur, with the Census and NRC debate now becoming part of the wider dispute over representation, security and the state’s demographic future.