PM postpones census in Manipur after addressing public concerns, says CM

New Delhi – The Union government has put the upcoming census in Manipur on hold after the Prime Minister took note of grievances voiced by local communities, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Tuesday. Singh explained that the decision was taken to allow authorities to address issues related to data collection, security and public apprehension before proceeding. The move pauses the nationwide enumeration schedule for the state, which was slated to begin later this year. Officials are expected to engage with community leaders and civil society groups to resolve the concerns that prompted the deferment. No new timeline for the census has been announced, and the central government will monitor the situation closely.

The census, a constitutional exercise conducted every ten years, provides critical data for resource allocation, political representation and development planning. In Manipur, ethnic sensitivities and past disputes over demographic data have made the process particularly delicate. By deferring the count, the government aims to avoid potential unrest and ensure that the final figures reflect an accurate and consensual demographic picture.

The Prime Minister's office has not released a detailed statement, but sources indicate that the decision aligns with a broader strategy to maintain social harmony in the Northeast. The state administration will now focus on dialogue with stakeholders to address the specific concerns raised, after which the census may be rescheduled.