New Delhi, December 2: Leishemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Manipur, has urged the Central Government to recognise Sanamahi as a separate religion in the upcoming national census, stressing that official recognition is essential to ensure accurate documentation of its followers and preserve the distinct cultural and religious identity of the indigenous faith.
Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha under the parliamentary procedure of "Special Mention," the MP described the matter as one of urgent public importance. He appealed to the Union Government to include "Sanamahi" as a separate category in the religion column of the next census so that adherents of the faith are accurately represented in the country's official demographic records.
During his intervention, Sanajaoba stated that thousands of followers of the Sanamahi faith continue to be classified under broader religious categories in existing census formats, resulting in the under-representation of one of Manipur's oldest indigenous belief systems. He argued that the absence of a separate category prevents the collection of accurate population data and fails to reflect the unique religious identity of the Sanamahi community.
The MP specifically urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India to take the necessary administrative measures to incorporate "Sanamahi" as a distinct option in future census operations.
According to Sanajaoba, official recognition would not only ensure more accurate demographic data but would also strengthen efforts to preserve and promote the cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage associated with the indigenous faith. He maintained that reliable census data would help policymakers better understand the size and distribution of the Sanamahi community and formulate appropriate cultural and developmental initiatives.
A video of the MP's intervention in Parliament, which was widely shared on social media, drew considerable attention in Manipur. In the video, Sanajaoba emphasised that recognising Sanamahi as a separate religion in the census would be a significant step towards acknowledging the community's distinct identity and safeguarding its traditions for future generations.
Sanamahi is regarded as one of the oldest indigenous religious traditions of the Meitei people of Manipur. Rooted in ancient customs, rituals, and ancestral beliefs, the faith continues to be practised by many families across the state. Over the years, several community organisations, scholars, and cultural bodies have advocated for a separate census category, arguing that existing classifications do not adequately represent the faith's unique traditions and practices.
The MP's appeal has received attention from various cultural organisations and sections of civil society in Manipur, many of whom have welcomed the renewed demand for official recognition. Supporters believe that a separate census category would contribute to the preservation of the state's indigenous cultural heritage while ensuring more accurate demographic representation.
The matter now awaits consideration by the Central Government ahead of the next national census exercise. Any decision regarding the inclusion of a separate religion category would rest with the concerned authorities responsible for conducting the census and finalising its classification framework.
