Demonstrators clashed with police in Imphal, demanding the National Register of Citizens be implemented before the Census 2027, resulting in injuries and heightened tensions.
Imphal, India Aug 16, 2026 ALN: Tensions escalated in Imphal as three protesters were injured during a clash with police while demonstrating against the upcoming Census 2027, which they argue should not proceed without the prior implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Members of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) Students’ Wing reported the injuries following police action on Sunday.
According to police reports, only one protester sustained minor injuries during the confrontation. However, JFD member Somorjit Luwang identified the injured as Khangembam Pilot, Longjam Roja, and Angom Daisy, who were admitted to various hospitals for treatment. Luwang further claimed that one of the injured is in critical condition and that several demonstrators suffered head injuries during the clash, although these claims have not been independently verified.
The confrontation occurred outside the Directorate of Census Operations in Porompat, Imphal East district, just a day before the self-enumeration phase of the Census is set to begin on August 17. The main house-listing exercise is scheduled to take place from September 1 to 30. The Census, a crucial exercise for demographic data collection, has raised concerns among various groups regarding its timing and the absence of the NRC, which they believe is essential for identifying illegal immigrants.
Protesters gathered outside the Directorate, chanting slogans against the Census being conducted without the implementation of the NRC. Officials reported that demonstrators, carrying placards with the message “No NRC, No Census,” forced trainees to leave the venue before the training could commence. This disruption illustrates the growing frustration among certain community groups regarding the government's approach to citizenship and demographic data collection.
Naorem Wangamba, convenor of the JFD Students’ Wing, reiterated the organization’s demand for the NRC to be implemented prior to the Census. “We have been demanding NRC to identify illegal immigrants. However, the government is seeking to conduct the Census without carrying out NRC. NRC is important to save future generations,” Wangamba stated. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the region about immigration and its implications for local demographics and resource allocation.
Protesters attempted to enter the office premises and even tried to lock the main gate after being restrained by security personnel, prompting police to intervene and use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Such police action highlights the tensions between state authority and civil dissent, particularly in a region that has a history of ethnic and political conflict.
According to Luwang, protests were also held at various locations in Imphal, with indefinite agitations continuing at Thangmeiband in Imphal West and Wangkhei Wall Club. He noted that the confrontation at the Directorate of Census Operations was the most intense. The widespread nature of these protests suggests that the issue transcends a singular event and taps into deeper societal concerns regarding identity, citizenship, and resource distribution.
The JFD has consistently argued that citizenship verification through the NRC should precede the Census to identify alleged illegal immigrants and establish the state's demographic composition. This demand is rooted in the belief that without a clear understanding of who qualifies as a citizen, the Census could misrepresent the population, leading to potential disparities in political representation and resource allocation.
Luwang announced that the organization plans to intensify its agitation, with further protest programs scheduled to begin Sunday evening. This latest protest marks a significant escalation in the JFD Students’ Wing’s campaign against the Census exercise. The decision to escalate protests indicates a determination among the demonstrators to press their demands and highlights the potential for ongoing unrest if their concerns are not addressed.
On Friday, members of the students’ wing had already disrupted a training program for Census enumerators and supervisors at Moirang College in Bishnupur district. The NRC issue has remained contentious, with various civil society and student organizations advocating for citizenship verification to occur before the Census. This ongoing debate reflects a larger national conversation regarding citizenship, identity, and the rights of individuals in a diverse society.
The implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate clash between demonstrators and police. They underscore a growing discontent among certain populations in the region regarding governmental policies and their perceived impact on local communities. As the Census approaches, the government may need to consider the concerns raised by these groups to avoid further escalation and to ensure a more inclusive process that respects the voices of all stakeholders involved.
Furthermore, the situation in Imphal is emblematic of broader trends in India, where issues of citizenship, identity, and demographic representation have become increasingly polarizing. The NRC, in particular, has been a flashpoint for protests across the country, with various groups advocating for its implementation as a means to protect local identities and ensure that demographic data accurately reflects the population. As tensions continue to mount, the government's response will be critical in shaping the future of these discussions and the social fabric of the region.
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