Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh briefed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers on the postponement of Census operations in the state following his return from New Delhi, where he held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Chief Minister attended a reception programme at the BJP state office, Thambal Sanglen, in Imphal, where he was welcomed by BJP Manipur president A. Sharda Devi, party MLAs, senior leaders and workers. During the programme, Singh shared details of his meeting with Shah and discussed the Centre’s decision to defer the Census exercise in Manipur.
Khemchand Singh Briefs BJP Leadership in Imphal
The meeting at the BJP state office came shortly after the Chief Minister returned from New Delhi. Singh had participated in discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the situation surrounding the Census and concerns raised by various sections of society in Manipur.
The Centre subsequently decided to defer the house-listing phase of Census 2027 in the state. The decision came amid growing demands from civil society groups for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process to be addressed before the Census exercise moves forward.
Addressing BJP leaders and workers in Imphal, Singh said the party’s central leadership remained aware of the sentiments, aspirations and concerns of the people of Manipur.
CM Highlights Centre’s Understanding of Manipur’s Concerns
During his address, the Chief Minister pointed to the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur as an example of the Centre’s understanding of issues concerning the state and its people.
Singh maintained that the BJP leadership at the national level was conscious of the concerns being expressed by people in Manipur and was taking them into consideration.
The Census postponement has emerged as a major development amid ongoing debates over demographic concerns, migration and demands for the implementation or updating of the NRC in the state.
The Centre’s decision to defer the Census followed high-level discussions in New Delhi involving Amit Shah, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and other senior officials.
Government Focused on Restoring Peace and Normalcy
Apart from the Census issue, Singh reiterated the Manipur government’s commitment to restoring peace, normalcy and stability across the state.
The Chief Minister said efforts were continuing to improve conditions and ensure that normal life could resume without further disruptions. He also highlighted the reopening of National Highway connectivity, saying that inter-state movement had resumed and travel had become safer and more affordable for the people.
The restoration of connectivity is seen as an important factor in improving the movement of people and goods and supporting economic activities in the state.
Singh urged all sections of society to contribute towards maintaining peace and creating conditions for lasting normalcy.
Appeal to Avoid Bandhs and General Strikes
The Chief Minister also appealed to civil society organisations, stakeholders and the public to refrain from calling bandhs and general strikes.
He said repeated shutdowns and disruptions adversely affect the everyday lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, particularly daily-wage earners, students and economically vulnerable sections.
The appeal came amid continued protests and shutdowns in parts of Manipur over demands related to the NRC and Census process. Despite the announcement regarding the postponement of the Census exercise, concerns surrounding the sequencing of the NRC and Census have continued to generate public debate.
Singh called for collective efforts to address concerns through dialogue and cooperation while ensuring that peace and public order are maintained.
Census Postponement Remains a Key Issue
The decision to defer Census operations in Manipur has brought the issue into sharp political and public focus.
The house-listing phase of Census 2027 had been scheduled to begin in the state from September 1. However, the exercise was postponed following concerns raised by civil society organisations and demands that issues relating to the NRC be addressed first.
Different communities and organisations have expressed varying views on the issue, making the Census and NRC debate a sensitive matter in the state’s broader social and political landscape.
The Centre’s decision to defer the exercise is expected to provide additional time for consultations and discussions on the concerns raised by different stakeholders.
BJP Government Reiterates Commitment to Stability
The Chief Minister’s interaction with BJP leaders in Imphal highlighted the state government’s focus on balancing public concerns with efforts to restore stability and normalcy.
By briefing the party leadership on the outcome of his discussions with Amit Shah, Singh sought to underline the Centre’s engagement with issues concerning Manipur.
As discussions continue over the future course of the Census exercise, the Manipur government has reiterated its commitment to peace, public safety and the welfare of its people.
The Chief Minister’s appeal against bandhs and strikes also reflected the government’s concern over the impact of prolonged disruptions on ordinary citizens and economic activities. The Manipur Census postponement is now expected to remain a key issue as the state and the Centre continue consultations with stakeholders in the coming days.