Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday, 2 September called on all organisations and sections of society to work collectively towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy in the state, days after the Centre deferred the Census-2027 exercise in Manipur amid widespread protests. The appeal came hours after Singh returned to Imphal from New Delhi, where he had attended a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Chief Minister's Appeal

Addressing all stakeholders in a formal statement, Singh urged citizens and organisations to pursue democratic means of protest rather than resorting to shutdowns and blockades. 'I appeal to all sections of society and all concerned stakeholders to work collectively towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy. I also urge all concerned to refrain from bandhs and general strikes, which adversely affect the lives and livelihoods of our people,' he said.

The statement reflects growing concern within the state government over the economic and humanitarian toll of prolonged civil unrest, which has disrupted daily life and commerce across Manipur.

Census Deferral: What Happened

The Union government on Monday, 1 September deferred the Census-2027 enumeration exercise in Manipur, which had been scheduled to commence that same day. The decision followed sustained protests by various organisations demanding that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated before any census operations begin in the state.

The deferral was announced following the high-level review meeting in New Delhi, attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and other senior officials. The Chief Minister's Office confirmed the postponement on Monday evening.

BJP Reception and Political Backdrop

On his return to Imphal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders accorded Singh a warm reception at the state party headquarters at Thambal Sanglen. BJP State President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior party leaders, and party workers were present at the event.

'On the occasion, I briefed them on the outcome of my meeting with the Union Home Minister regarding the postponement of Census operations,' Singh said. He credited the national BJP leadership with remaining 'cognisant of the sentiments, aspirations and concerns of the people of Manipur,' citing the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state as evidence of that sensitivity.

Ground Situation and Road Connectivity

Singh also noted that conditions on the ground are showing tentative signs of improvement. He highlighted the reopening of National Highway connectivity, which has resumed inter-state movement and, according to him, is facilitating 'safer and more affordable travel for the people.'

This comes amid a prolonged period of ethnic tension and civil unrest in Manipur that has persisted for well over a year, making any restoration of normalcy a politically and socially significant milestone. The state government, Singh reiterated, 'remains steadfast in its efforts to restore peace, normalcy and stability.'

What Comes Next

The deferral of Census-2027 operations buys the state government time, but the underlying demand for NRC updation remains unresolved. Organisations that called for the deferral are likely to watch closely whether the Centre moves on the NRC question before rescheduling enumeration. The Chief Minister's appeal for restraint signals that authorities are wary of fresh disruptions as negotiations continue.