In Imphal, the capital of Manipur, a significant protest was held on March 11, where residents gathered under the banner of the Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) to express their dissatisfaction with the ongoing census process in the region. The demonstration, primarily situated at the Ima Market, aimed to highlight various grievances regarding the census methodology.

Police Response Leads to Tension

As the protest intensified, the police intervened by using tear gas to disperse the crowd, which led to injuries among five protesters. This firm response from law enforcement indicated the escalating tension surrounding the event. Naorem Wangamba, serving as the Assistant Secretary (Organisation) of the JFD, articulated the organization’s demand for a “Just and Fair Census,” advocating for a transparent delimitation process that considers the demographic complexities of the state.

Concerns About Illegal Immigration

Wangamba emphasized the JFD’s call to postpone the census until the identification of illegal immigrants can be effectively addressed. He proposed utilizing 1951 as the cutoff year for this identification process. The potential for illegal immigrants to be recognized as legitimate Indian citizens was cited as a significant concern that could undermine both the integrity of the census and constitutional principles.

Previous Correspondence with Authorities

In December 2025, the JFD had submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister, urging a postponement of the census in Manipur until the issues surrounding illegal immigrants were resolved, alongside the ongoing conflict in the state. The organization insists that an update to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) should precede any census activities to ensure accurate demographic representation.

Related Protests Highlighting Ethnic Violence

The situation in Manipur has been fraught with tensions following recent ethnic violence. On March 6, members of the Central Village Defence Force (CVDF) organized a road march in Churachandpur to protest the death of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, alongside calls for justice for the victims of the violence that erupted between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in 2023. Valte, a former MLA from Thanlon, succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack by a mob in May 2023.

Demands for Accountability and Justice

The protestors in Churachandpur demanded accountability for the loss of innocent lives during the 2023 violence, reflecting the broader unrest in Manipur concerning ethnic relations and governance. The local tensions and demands for justice underscore the complexities faced by authorities in addressing both the census and the ongoing disputes in the region.

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