Manipur Congress raises red flag over census amid refugee, displacement issues

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhawan, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ibobi said the census is a crucial national exercise that must produce reliable and accurate statistical data. He warned that flawed data could adversely affect development planning and governance.

Referring to past census operations, Ibobi noted that the 2001 census, conducted during the tenure of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre, had continued to influence policy decisions up to 2011. However, he alleged that discrepancies in population data had led to “abnormal delimitation” in certain districts.

“While the national population growth average was around 24 percent, some districts recorded disproportionate increases, raising serious concerns,” he said. Ibobi added that the Congress had earlier urged the Centre not to carry out delimitation based on the 2001 census data due to these anomalies.

He also highlighted logistical challenges in conducting the census in the current situation, pointing to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people living in relief camps. “With thousands displaced and over 50,000 people affected in criss-cross movements, it is unclear how authorities will ensure accurate enumeration,” he said.

The Congress leader further drew attention to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Myanmar, stating that refugees taking shelter in Manipur could further complicate the census process. He suggested that enumeration should only be conducted after the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants and the rehabilitation of displaced residents.

Ibobi cautioned that proceeding with delimitation under current conditions could lead to unrest. “Accurate census data must precede delimitation. Until normalcy is restored and displaced persons return to their original homes, the census should be deferred,” he said.

On the issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Ibobi clarified that the Congress is not opposed to identifying illegal immigrants. “The NRC is a mechanism to identify illegal immigrants, and Congress supports that objective,” he said, while accusing the BJP of sending mixed signals on the matter.

He also called for broader political consensus on major issues, stating that the Congress remains open to all-party meetings and delegations to engage with the Centre.

Commenting on the visit of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand to Jiribam, Ibobi said that in a democracy, there should be free movement across all parts of the state, including sensitive areas.