More debate ST status for Meeteis MYF backs ST demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 2016 :
The Meitei Youth Front (MYF) has pledged support to the ongoing campaign for enlistment of Meitei as a Scheduled Tribe under the Constitution of India as well as the mass rally scheduled on May 22 as a part of the same campaign.
It was proselityzation of the Meiteis into Hinduism which brought about many divisions among the people of Kangleipak.
Enlistment of Meiteis in the ST category is one step towards bridging these divisions, asserted a statement issued by the MYF.
Rather than harping the rhetoric about all the indigenous communities of Manipur sharing fraternal bonds in the midst of all the divisive policies, it would be more meaningful if all the communities can live as equals.
If there is equality, unification of all the indigenous communities would not take much time.
With the growth of population, some people have politicized the term 'hill people' and this is not a healthy sign, it said.
There may be conflicts among different communities but these conflicts are not something which cannot be resolved.
Every community should be allowed to safeguard their own interests.
Even though other tribes of India may be very backward, indigenous tribes of Manipur are of high status.
In this age of globalisation, Meiteis must protect their identity.
The true identity of the Meiteis lies in the culture and tradition of the pre-Hinduism period, not in the corrupted culture which was influenced by Indian traditions and Hinduism, MYF asserted.
There was not any kind of social division before the advent of Hinduism in Kangleipak (Manipur) .
"Inability to revert to the earlier social set up where there was no inequality among different communities is an indication of our failure to free ourselves from the trap laid by India", it continued.
Decrying that some elements have been trying to project the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) in a very wrong light, the MYF called upon all the Meiteis to join the campaign for ST status.
All the civil society organisations need to analyse the issue collectively in constructive manner rather than hurling allegations.
No one should do anything which may derail or jeopardise the mass rally of May 22 .
It is a matter of serious concern that Meiteis are unable to protect their lands even though Kangleipak was formed with the Meiteis taking the central role.
To the MYF, the campaign is the last means to protect Meiteis and bring unity.
Objections raised by some people against the campaign are driven by a hidden desire to keep Meiteis in OBC category and keep away the community from recognition by the UN and nurture continued association with the 'Indian people' .