UKHRUL: The Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) has expressed grave concern regarding the proposed conduct of Census operations in Manipur under the current circumstances.
The Federation noted that since May 3, 2023, the State has witnessed large-scale internal displacement, with many individuals and families continuing to reside in relief camps or away from their original places of habitation. In such a scenario, ZSF cautioned that any enumeration exercise risks recording populations at their locations of displacement rather than at their native and legally recognised places of residence.
According to the Federation, this could result in a phenomenon of “data migration,” wherein population figures are geographically reassigned without any corresponding demographic change. It warned that such distortions may have far-reaching implications for administrative planning, resource allocation, and the dilution of electoral representation in areas of origin, ultimately affecting the integrity of demographic records.
ZSF further pointed out that the absence of conditions necessary for a credible Census—including normalcy, stable habitation patterns, and fully functional administrative systems raises serious concerns about the reliability and acceptability of data collected at this time.
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Emphasising that the Census is a fundamental exercise that shapes governance and representation, and not merely a statistical process, the Federation stressed that it must be conducted only under conditions that ensure accuracy, fairness, and institutional credibility.
In view of these concerns, the Zomi Students’ Federation has urged the concerned authorities to adopt a considered and calibrated approach, keeping in mind the need to preserve public confidence, uphold institutional integrity, and support ongoing efforts towards stability in the conflict-affected State.