April 3, 2026 : Internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently residing in relief camps across Manipur have voiced concerns over the state government’s proposed census drive scheduled for September, stating that the exercise may not be feasible while many families remain displaced from their homes.
The issue came up during a meeting at Sajiwa Relief Camp, where camp inmates, along with members of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD), discussed the possible impact of the proposed process. Participants expressed uncertainty over how displaced families would be included in the census in the absence of stable housing and proper documentation.
During the interaction, an IDP staying at the camp after being displaced from Ekou said that many families have been unable to return home since the violence that erupted in May 2023. With houses either damaged or destroyed, affected individuals continue to live in relief camps, making participation in a residence-based census exercise difficult.
It was also pointed out that several camp residents do not possess formal address details such as house numbers, which could further complicate their inclusion. In this context, participants stressed that rehabilitation and resettlement should be prioritised before initiating such an exercise.
Some speakers cautioned that proceeding without addressing these challenges could lead to dissatisfaction among displaced communities across the state.
During the meeting, JFD representatives also raised concerns related to demographic issues, including allegations of illegal influx, which they said have contributed to anxieties among indigenous communities. They emphasised the need for appropriate policy measures and greater awareness.
The prolonged displacement of affected families was another issue highlighted, with participants noting that many continue to stay in temporary shelters even after a considerable period. Concerns were also expressed regarding the handling of law and order issues linked to the earlier violence.
The gathering appealed to the government to clearly outline how the proposed census would be conducted for those currently living in relief camps without proper housing records, particularly if the process is to begin as planned in September.
