Police used tear gas to disperse protesters after a torch rally demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census turned tense and violent in Kakching district of Manipur on Sunday night.
A large number of people took part in the rally, raising slogans such as “No NRC, No Census” and demanding that the Census exercise not be conducted before the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The protesters began their march from the Wabagai-Hiyanglam Lamkhai Keithel area and were attempting to proceed towards the Kakching district headquarters. Police intercepted the rally at the Keirak Dam area as the protesters moved towards the district headquarters.
Tensions escalated at the spot and the situation subsequently turned violent. Police fired several tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from worsening.
At least seven protesters, including four women, were detained during the incident. They were later released, according to reports.
The rally was organised as part of a series of protests being held under the banner of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD). The organisation has been conducting night torch rallies at different locations across Manipur in recent days as part of its campaign against the proposed Census exercise before the NRC is updated.
The protesters have been demanding that the Census be deferred until the NRC is implemented in the state. They have also linked the demand to the resettlement of people displaced by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, arguing that the concerns surrounding displaced people, demographic changes and delimitation should be addressed before the Census is conducted.
The JFD has announced further programmes as part of its agitation. The organisation has warned of a general strike from midnight on August 31 if the Government of India does not issue an official statement on deferring the Census.
The group has also announced plans for a march on the final day of the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly session.
The latest incident in Kakching comes amid heightened activity by civil society organisations over the timing of the Census and their demand for an NRC update. The protests have included torch rallies, demonstrations and other forms of agitation in different parts of the state.
The situation in Kakching was brought under control after the police dispersed the protesters. Further details about the incident and any possible injuries or damage are awaited.
