Naga Groups Clash Over 1951 NRC Implementation in Manipur

A stark political contradiction has emerged within Naga leadership in Manipur regarding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). In an official press release dated 18 August 2026, the United Naga Council (UNC) explicitly demanded the immediate implementation of the NRC with 1951 as the base year, insisting that no census or delimitation take place beforehand to protect indigenous rights against illegal immigration.

Conversely, Awangbow Newmai, President of the Naga People's Front (NPF) Manipur, has publicly opposed the 1951 NRC framework, warning that applying it selectively to serve Valley (Meitei) interests is unjust and unacceptable. Newmai cautioned that using the 1951 NRC in this manner will heighten tensions, deepen divisions, and fuel further political instability between Valley and Hill communities. This opposing stance directly challenges the UNC's unconditional call for a 1951 base-year register, exposing a sharp rift in Naga political strategy.