Manipur Shutdown Continued Second Day Over NRC Before Census
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
- Aug 18, 2026
- 272
Normal life remained affected across several parts of Manipur on Tuesday as a 48-hour statewide shutdown called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) entered its second day. The organisation is demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated in Manipur before the Census exercise proceeds.
The shutdown began at midnight on August 17, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until midnight on August 19. The agitation comes amid growing protests over the conduct of the Census without first completing the NRC updating process in the state.
JFD Strike Disrupts Commercial Activity
Markets, shops and business establishments remained closed in several areas, while the strike disrupted normal commercial activity. Reports from Manipur's valley districts indicated widespread participation in the shutdown, with major markets and transport services affected.
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The JFD has linked its demand to concerns surrounding demographic changes and migration. Its central position is that population verification through an updated NRC should precede the Census.
Protests Reported in Hiyanglam-Wabagai
Demonstrations were also organised in different parts of the state. At Hiyanglam-Wabagai, members of Apunba Nupi Lup and local youths participated in protest programmes at Ema Market and Lamkhai Keithel in support of the shutdown.
The wider agitation has also drawn participation from students, women vendors and civil society groups. Protests have intensified alongside the commencement of the Census self-enumeration period in Manipur.
Manipur Government Appeals for Peace
The Manipur government has acknowledged concerns surrounding the NRC demand but has appealed to the JFD and protesters to adopt peaceful and democratic methods.
Government spokesperson Sapam Ranjan Singh said the state administration has repeatedly taken up the NRC issue with the Centre. The Manipur Legislative Assembly passed a resolution supporting NRC updation in August 2022 and subsequently reaffirmed the matter in March 2024, according to the state government's account.
The government has also expressed concern about the impact of the prolonged shutdown on ordinary citizens, particularly daily-wage workers, students and economically vulnerable families.
NRC Before Census Remains Key Demand
The dispute centres on whether the NRC should be updated before the Census process advances in Manipur. The JFD has intensified its campaign around the slogan of completing population verification before the Census, while the government has urged protesters to continue raising the issue through democratic channels.
The developments come as Census 2027 preparations are underway, with the self-enumeration window in Manipur beginning on August 17 and the house-listing phase scheduled subsequently.
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