ST demand for Meiteis needs deep study first, says ACOAM Lup
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2019: The All Club Organisation, Association and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM Lup) has reasoned that it will not be right to group all the Meitei/Meetei as one and demand for inclusion in the ST list of the Constitution, adding that the aid issue needs proper discussion and analysis.

It also explained that the wisest choice would be to opt for certain parameters or regulations for those among the Meitei/Meetei community who wish to be included in the ST list, just like OBC and SC.

A statement issued by the secretary general of ACOAM Lup claimed that it will not be right to assume that everyone in the State will agree to the inclusion of the Meitei/Meetei in the ST list as the particular community has been one of the strongest, most developed and advanced in the State when compared to other communities since time immemorial.

This particular issue requires intense and detailed analysis, ACOAM Lup reasoned, adding that if the main objective for inclusion of Meitei in the ST list is said to be the gradual disappearance of land and lack of protection, then there are already many agreements which were signed between the Government and other CSOs concerned of the State regarding these same issues.

It conveyed that it will not be right to combine all Meiteis and push for the inclusion of the community in the ST list as there are many who do not wish to be included.

There are a still number of demands from various communities residing in the State due to the lack of proper timely actions or response from the Government and there are also demands put forward by various CSOs for ensuring that the communities residing in the valley region of the State can live together in harmony with others as well, like the demand for establishment of a Land Reform Commission.

Regarding the rise in the population of the State, similar demands concerning the creation of a Population Commission and a proper count/survey have been lying on the negotiation/agreement table, it explained, reasoning that all the communities residing in the State live according to the laws set by the Government but it will not be right for the Government in the long run to just grant the demand of a particular community by promptly neglecting those of others.

At a time when there are various other areas to tend to, it is unreasonable to assume that everyone in the Meitei community is up for inclusion in the ST list.

There are many among the community who do not wish to be included in the ST list and it will be right to consider their opinions as well, ACOAM Lup reasoned.

Many from the Meitei community are in the OBC and SC list.

It is not wrong to change the quota as specified by the law or demand for additional quota.

But it will be a wise decision to push for the ST demand by creating some sort of modalities which exclude or do not affect the sentiments of those in the community who do not wish for the change.

ACOAM Lup reasoned that even to this day, many from the Meitei/Meetei community have been competing and outperforming the advanced and well groomed communities of mainland India in various fields.

The authorities concerned should create some method or ways to identify those among the Meitei community who wish to be included in the ST list and those who do not, it stated.

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