WMC raises ST tag by 2027 call
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 14 2023:
Claiming that the Meeteis have been living like migrants with no safeguard of being a rightful citizen whatsoever, the World Meetei Council (WMC) has said that the fate of the ethnic group will hang in balance if the Meetei is not given ST tag by 2027 .
A press release issued by WMC continued that the Meetei would never have the right to claim being rightful citizens if they too are migrants like some who have settled in the State.
Saying that "our forefathers" are known for their valour and their role in protecting the erstwhile kingdom of Kangleipak was immense, WMC said that the rights of the ethnic group of being a rightful citizen, however, are being denied with no Constitutional protection.
WMC stated that Meeteis are rightful citizens of Manipur along with the Nagas but the former has been deprived of their rights.
Accusing some Congress and CLP leaders without naming anyone in particular of disregarding the movement which seeks addition of Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list of the Constitution, the Council claimed that some leaders of the Opposition party undermining the movement against the interest of the people is uncalled for.
The State Government needs to persuade the Central leaders to grant ST tag to Meetei during the second tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the ethnic group might become a marginalised population after 2024-25 delimitation exercise due to expansion of global village and other factors, WMC said.
Granting ST tag is the only means to protect the Meetei, WMC asserted and maintained that arrangements such as formulation of land law alone will not be able to protect the ethnic group.
Further stating that the endeavour will not succeed if there is no unity among the stakeholders who have been demanding ST status for Meetei/Meitei and understand the changing dynamics of the movement, the WMC said that the fate of Meetei/Meitei will hang in balance even if Manipur progresses rapidly if the ethnic group is not given ST tag before 2027 Assembly elections .