The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the government to implement and update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before proceeding with census operations in Manipur, warning that doing so amid the unresolved crisis could deepen existing divisions. In a statement, COCOMI called for continued peaceful participation in the “No NRC, No Census” movement, arguing that communities remain displaced, unable to move freely and fearful of returning to their original places. The organisation questioned the timing of the census while the conflict that began on May 3, 2023, remains unresolved and stressed that the concerns raised by civil society groups should not be treated merely as law-and-order issues. COCOMI recalled its earlier joint memorandum with the United Naga Council to the Centre and said successive governments had failed to adequately address demands to identify illegal immigrants. It urged the government to engage with stakeholders, facilitate the safe return and rehabilitation of internally displaced people, and restore conditions for peaceful interaction among communities before conducting the census. COCOMI also criticised the suspension and dismissal of government employees accused of supporting the movement, saying such actions could further alienate the public. Reiterating its position, the organisation described the NRC-before-census demand as legitimate and reasonable and appealed for collective, peaceful participation until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
COCOMI Warns Census Without NRC Could Worsen Tensions in Manipur
