Manipur Schools, Colleges Shut From August 20 to 23 Amid NRC-Census Protests

 Schools, colleges and higher educational institutions across Manipur will remain closed from August 20 to 23 amid a deteriorating law-and-order situation linked to protests over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Census 2027.

The Manipur government has ordered the temporary closure of schools, colleges, universities and other higher education institutions as protests led by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation continue across several districts.

The decision comes amid growing tensions over demands that the Census 2027 exercise be deferred until the NRC is implemented in Manipur.

Why Are Protests Taking Place in Manipur?

Protesters are demanding that the government first implement the National Register of Citizens before conducting the upcoming census.

Several Meitei groups have argued that an NRC is necessary to identify and document migrants who they allege entered Manipur after 1951.

The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation has been organising protests in different parts of the state, with the agitation affecting normal life in several areas.

Markets, public transport and government operations have reportedly been disrupted amid the protests.

Census 2027 Preparations Affected

The agitation has also affected preparations for Census 2027 in the northeastern state.

The state government has reportedly cancelled appointments involving certain personnel who were scheduled to participate in census-related training.

Authorities are also considering discussions with lawmakers in New Delhi over the demand to postpone the census exercise until the NRC issue is addressed.

When Will Census 2027 Begin in Manipur?

The development comes ahead of the first phase of Census 2027 in Manipur, which is scheduled to begin on September 1, following the self-enumeration process.

The Centre is preparing for the country's first census exercise since 2011, with the upcoming exercise being closely watched in Manipur because of longstanding concerns surrounding migration, citizenship and population changes.

The temporary closure of educational institutions is aimed at preventing disruptions and maintaining law and order as protests over the NRC and Census 2027 continue.