Kuki-Zo group questions census deferral, seeks President's Rule in Manipur
A Kuki-Zo organisation in Manipur on Tuesday questioned the Centre's decision to defer the Census exercise in the state, alleging that the matter was decided ignoring the voice of the community.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) also called for the reimposition of President's Rule in Manipur, alleging that the present government has failed to provide security to people.
In a statement, the KZC said the decision to suspend census operations was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, which considered the demand for "No Census Before NRC" raised by 14 civil society organisations representing Meitei and Naga communities.
"Not a single Kuki-Zo organisation was part of this demand. Yet, the decision was justified in the name of the feelings and aspirations of the people of Manipur," the council stated.
The demand for NRC implementation stemmed from the apprehension of the Meitei and Naga communities that a census without NRC could result in “demographic changes” in the state due to the alleged entry of illegal immigrants from neighbouring Myanmar, who have ethnic ties with the Kuki people.
The KZC said it had hoped that the change of government would bring security and normalcy, but attacks and killings continue.
Alleging that the present state government has failed to provide security, the Kuki-Zo organisation demanded reimposition of President's Rule in Manipur.
"Our people felt safer under President's Rule than under the present state government. If the state government cannot protect its citizens, the centre must act," the statement said.
At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 due to ethnic violence in Manipur between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis who live in the hill districts.
Following continued ethic clashes and the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later on February 4, and Y Khemchand Singh became the CM.
