UNC Demands NRC Before Census and Delimitation in Manipur

IMPHAL, August 18, 2026: The United Naga Council (UNC) has reiterated its demand that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) must be implemented in Manipur before any Census or delimitation exercise is undertaken in the state.

In a press release issued on August 18, the UNC said its position was clearly stated in a Joint Memorandum dated May 3, 2024, submitted to the Prime Minister of India through the Governor of Manipur by the UNC and COCOMI.

The UNC expressed concern over what it described as the “unchecked and continuous influx of illegal immigrants” from neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. It claimed that the influx had contributed to demographic changes and ethnic conflict, posing concerns over the identity, land, natural resources and socio-political rights of indigenous communities in Manipur.

The council also drew the government's attention to what it termed an abnormal increase in recognised and unrecognised villages in certain districts, citing government records, including 1950-69 records and the 2011 Census.

According to the UNC, the growth of unrecognised villages and their large numbers could indicate demographic changes. It also alleged attempts by some groups to claim exclusive areas and territory in collusion with disruptive forces.

The UNC outlined four key demands:

1. Implementation of NRC with 1951 as Base Year

The National Register of Citizens with 1951 as base year must be implemented in Manipur immediately to detect, identify and deport illegal immigrants.

2. No Census Until NRC is Completed

No Census shall be conducted in Manipur until the NRC process is fully completed and a verified database of indigenous peoples and bona-fide citizens is established for ensuring fair and just census in the state.

3. No Delimitation Until NRC is Completed

No Delimitation of Assembly Constituencies shall be carried out in Manipur before the completion of NRC. Any delimitation based on distorted population figures will be a grave injustice to the indigenous communities.

4. Stop Random Village Recognition

The practice of random recognition of villages without verification must be stopped immediately. A cut-off year/base year must be fixed to verify existing villages and de-recognize illegal and fake villages.

The UNC said the NRC must precede both the Census and delimitation to safeguard the identity, rights, land and future of indigenous people of Manipur. It urged the Governments of India and Manipur to consider and implement its demands in the public interest.