📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ypy31
Politics
Kuki groups in Manipur reject NRC proposal, call for census first
✍️ Deccan Herald
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 08:47 PM
👁 4
Kuki organisations in Manipur have opposed the National Register of Citizens, saying there is no legal basis for it before the forthcoming census.
Manipur's Kuki community groups have publicly rejected the rollout of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), arguing that the exercise lacks a legitimate legal foundation until after the next population census. The groups contend that the census, scheduled for later this year, is essential to establish an accurate demographic baseline before any citizenship verification can be undertaken.
Representatives of the Kuki umbrella bodies said that proceeding with the NRC without first updating population data could lead to wrongful exclusion of legitimate residents, especially in conflict‑prone border districts. They urged the state and central governments to prioritize the census and to hold consultations with all ethnic communities before any further steps on the NRC.
The stance adds to the growing political debate in the northeastern state, where ethnic identities and land rights remain sensitive issues. While the central government has not yet announced a definitive timeline for a fresh NRC, the Kuki groups' opposition underscores the demand for a more inclusive and data‑driven approach.
No official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs has been recorded as of now, and the issue is expected to feature in upcoming discussions between Manipur's state administration and community leaders.
Representatives of the Kuki umbrella bodies said that proceeding with the NRC without first updating population data could lead to wrongful exclusion of legitimate residents, especially in conflict‑prone border districts. They urged the state and central governments to prioritize the census and to hold consultations with all ethnic communities before any further steps on the NRC.
The stance adds to the growing political debate in the northeastern state, where ethnic identities and land rights remain sensitive issues. While the central government has not yet announced a definitive timeline for a fresh NRC, the Kuki groups' opposition underscores the demand for a more inclusive and data‑driven approach.
No official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs has been recorded as of now, and the issue is expected to feature in upcoming discussions between Manipur's state administration and community leaders.