IMPHAL, Aug. 24 -- The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a Kuki-Zo apex body in Manipur, has opposed the demand by some Meitei and Naga groups in the state for implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census, stating the step would be "premature and unjustified". KZC, in a press statement issued on Sunday stated that the council welcomed the decennial Census initiated by the Centre, which was delayed since 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "Given the falsehoods and propaganda surrounding our population and demographic status during the Manipur conflict, an impartial Census is essential to establish facts and dispel unfounded claims," it added. The council also welcomed delimitation to ensure fair representation based on verified demographic data. "There is no provision for any community or state government to 'unilaterally initiate or conduct a separate NRC' in a particular state at its own discretion. Accordingly, there is no legitimate basis for any Manipur-based group or the State Government to dictate the timing or implementation of the national NRC exercise," the Kuki-Zo body stated. It alleged that the demand for an NRC before the Census was largely based on "unsubstantiated allegations and speculation". It maintained that the Census was the appropriate source for demographic data and said demanding an NRC before completion and publication of Census 2027 results was premature. Meanwhile, BJP, Congress and other civil bodies belonging to different communities including Naga, Meitei and others have been opposing the conduct of Census until NRC with base year 1951 is completed....