Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president, Okram Ibobi Singh, a senior Congress leader and former Manipur Chief Minister, has called on the Centre to postpone the upcoming census until normalcy is fully restored in the state. He expressed concerns over the accuracy of data due to large-scale displacement and emphasized the importance of reliable statistical information for effective development planning and governance.
During a press conference at Congress Bhawan, Ibobi highlighted the impact of flawed data from past census operations, citing discrepancies in population figures that had influenced policy decisions for years. He urged the Centre to avoid delimitation based on inaccurate data from previous censuses to prevent further issues in district demarcation.
The logistical challenges of conducting the census under current circumstances were also discussed, particularly regarding internally displaced persons and those residing in relief camps. Ibobi pointed out the uncertainties surrounding accurate enumeration given the significant population movements in the region.
Additionally, Ibobi raised concerns about the potential complications arising from refugees from Myanmar seeking shelter in Manipur and emphasized the need to address the issues of illegal immigration and displaced residents before proceeding with the census or delimitation exercises.
Regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Ibobi clarified that the Congress supports the identification of illegal immigrants while criticizing the BJP for sending mixed signals on the matter. He called for political consensus on major issues and expressed the Congress’s willingness to engage in discussions with the Centre through all-party meetings and delegations.
In response to the visit of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand to Jiribam, Ibobi stressed the importance of free movement in a democratic setup, including in sensitive areas across the state.