ATSUM, ATRPFM against ST campaign
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 19 2018:
All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has vehemently condemned RV Mingthing's comment on the 1lth episode of Coordinating Body of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) campaign regarding inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list.
A press release issued by the president of the union today explained that ATSUM's collective decision against STDCM is not new and as such it is unwise for any individual, either politician or a layman, to give comment in support of the campaign under the aegis of STDCM.
It stated that ATSUM, on behalf of the tribal people, had made its position very clear that it will oppose the demand tooth and nail and mentioned that ATSUM's decision should be respected by all and sundry in the larger interest of the tribal people.
It further claimed that RV Mingthing's comment is venomous to the tribals.
The All Tribal Rights' Protection Forum, Manipur (ATRPFM) has strongly opposed the movement for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe list, reports NNN.
It can be mentioned here that, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) has been campaigning in the State of Manipur for sometime now for inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list.
Speaking to Newmai News Network at their office today, ATRPFM president Joseph Rongmei appealed the tribal leaders, politicians and eminent personalities not to co-operate with the STDCM's campaign and alleged that there are 'hidden agenda' and 'conspiracy' in the campaign.
Further, the ATRPFM appealed the State Government and the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribe not to recommend the demand of the STDCM cautioning that such a move of the Government will bring strife.
ATRPFM said that the State Government needs to consider the interest of all communities in order to ensure peaceful co-existence.
The tribal forum also said that tribals and non tribals should not infringe on the rights of the other "if we are to promote the idea of peaceful co-existence" .
"The Meiteis and the tribals have different cultures, traditions and customs and these aspects indicate that they are different from each other when it comes to the issue of identity," the tribal forum pointed out.