Rally clamours for ST status
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 28 2023:
A public rally demanding inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list which was heading towards Manipur Legislative Assembly today was foiled by the police before reaching the destination.
Volunteers of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM), Co-ordinating Body Khurai, Social Standard Club, Lamlong Keithel Phambi Apunba Nupi Lup and different local clubs assembled at Lamlong Keithel and took out a rally towards the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The demonstrators however were blocked near Lamlong Higher Secondary School and prevented from advancing further by Imphal East police.
The police also snatched the placards and banners brought by the demonstrators, following which there was a brief stand-off between the two sides.
Speaking to media persons, working president of STDCM L Lokendra said that the police using brute force to silence the people who took out a democratic demonstration was uncalled for.
Saying that the State Government's unwillingness to forwarding the recommendation sought by the Centre for enlisting Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list is a defeat for the entire Meetei/Meitei populace, he urged the Government to understand the sentiment of the people and do the needful.