ST demand not abandoned : CBSTDM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 09 2017:
The movement for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the list of Scheduled Tribes has never been abandoned but slowed down on account of different issues and restive situation prevailing in the State, asserted the Coordinating Body of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (CBSTDCM) .
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, CBSTDCM convenor Mutum Churamani recalled that relay hunger strike was staged for one whole month last year in addition to submitting a number of memoranda to the Central Government as well as the State Government.
Moreover, a public convention was held on May 22 last year followed by a mass rally on September 18 .
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He said that they were impelled to come out with a clarification before media as people had started asking whether the movement for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in ST category under Article 342(1) of the Constitution of India has been abandoned.
The movement was slowed down in view of the extreme misery endured by the public because of the prolonged economic blockade and the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election.
Even as candidates/political parties were urged to reflect the popular demand in their election manifestos, only NPP responded positively, Churamani said.
After a new Government has been established, CBSTDCM has met all the Cabinet Ministers regarding the demand.
CBSTDCM has also started meeting executives of different political parties, he said while exuding confidence that the Government is likely to adopt a concrete decision on the issue shortly.
Meanwhile, it is reported that a general body meeting of the STDC would be held at GM Hall on May 14 .