ST Demand Committee reiterates
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2015:
Stating that Meiteis/Meeteis are one of the indigenous tribes of Manipur, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur has reiterated that the demand for ST status is justifiable and Constitutionally permissible.
In a statement, the committee said that ST status demand for Meiteis/Meeteis would never infringe upon the rights of other tribes and communities.
Maintaining that facilities like reservations, quotas and income tax relaxations are secondary matters, the committee said that the primary objective of the demand was to bring equality, unity, peace and harmony in the State.
In 1981 when Rishang Keishing was the Chief Minister of Manipur, the statement said, the matter was even discussed in the State Legislative Assembly.
However, it subsided gradually as some influential persons wrongly told the common people that Meeteis/Meiteis would be known as a people of lower status if they became STs, the committee said.
In 2001 again, the then Governor of Manipur, Ved Prakash Marwah discussed the matter with some leaders.
However, it could not result to any fruitful progress as these leaders were against the idea of becoming STs, the committee said.
Later, people of Sanamahi faith raised the ST status demand from 2004 to 2007.Ever since the committee was formed in 2012, people's demand for ST status for Meiteis/Meeteis has been gaining momentum, the committee said.
People have now fully understood the underlying points of becoming STs after a State level symposium was organised on February 9, 2013.Although, the demand has started getting popular support from the masses, the movement was suspended for some time due to the pro-ILPS agitation this year, the committee said.
Questioning why Meitei /Meetei people should feel embarrassed while admitting the truth that they are also tribals, the committee observed that they must have the courage to proudly proclaim that they are indigenous Meitei/Meetei tribals of Manipur.
Saying that the committee is not interested in indulging in war of words with anybody regarding the matter, the committee urged the people to continue the movement.