Representation to PM seeking appointment
- 09th March 2023 -

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To
Shri Narendra Modi ji,
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
Government of India
New Delhi

Subject: Meetei(Manipuri) survival - SOS

Hon’ble Sir,

Heartfelt greetings from World Meetei Council!

With due respect WMC is writing this letter to invite your kind attention to the fact that the fate of the Meeteis hang in the balance. The condition is aggravated by the factors of globalisation - coming of railways, Asian highway and airways that causes a fundamental change in demography especially by the influx of Muslim migrants from Bangladesh and Christian migrants from Myanmar.

Sir, we know under your able leadership India have achieved unprecedented developments, especially in the Northeast and we are also very grateful for your kind attention given to the people of Manipur.

However it may be mentioned that 95% of economy of the Imphal Bazar area that controls Manipur belongs to the Business community. On the other hand Meetei economy is a tribal or maybe subsistence economy based on nature and natural resources. However for those in power they would exploit the funds given by the centre. This is the reality.

Sir another unique feature of Manipur is that the aborigine Meetei people are restricted by the law to live only in 10% of the area of Manipur since they are not included in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

Sir, is there any other states in India where the aborigines are not allowed to live as rightful citizens in its own state except in Manipur ?

When every national leaders come to Manipur they visit the Shri Shri Govindaji Temple. However in the absence of the constitutional protection given to the aborigines as envisaged by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Meetei (Manipuri) who are Krishna devotees shall surely perish in a generation's time because they are not conversant with the modern way of life since their tribal values of life know only to enjoy with the festivals happening throughout the seasons. Coupled with this the inefficient leadership that represents the Meetei people, today the Meeteis are a sinking group of people presently confining in about 5% of the total area of Manipur from being the earlier rulers.

Sir, this is the reason why WMC is approaching to apprise you the reality of Meetei life. And sensing the gravity of the situation WMC did try to meet the union Home minister in December, 2021 but couldn't make it.

However WMC could meet with one of the top leaders of the Sangh Parivar, Shri Alok Kumar, International President VHP, who was in the loop. Shri Kumar had conveyed to us that they were well aware of the unenviable position of the Meeteis. He added that they were "examining the land laws of some states....." to bring in to Manipur to protect the Meeteis.

That was an advantage we had taken. We had apprised him that the issue was not merely a problem of land but it was truly "a question of our survival". We presented our position in perspective and had pointed out that enlisting Meetei in the list of Scheduled Tribes was the only way. After hearing our point of view he said, "I will speak to the Hon'ble home minister".

Sir, therefore WMC submit to you to kindly intervene so that Meetei(Manipuri) may be saved. Sir, WMC would be obliged if an appointment for us to have a short meeting with you is granted so that we can explain the matter.

Highest regards

Yours sincerely
Heigrujam Nabashyam
Chairman
World Meetei Council
Copy to:
Shri Amit Shah ji, Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Govt. Of India