STDCM takes case to Kongkham Robindro
Yet another MLA backs ST demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2022:
Endorsing the STDCM's demand to include Meeteis/Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe category of the Constitution of India, MLA Kongkham Robindro has called for more support from fellow legislators and people of the State.
The MLA from Mayang Imphal Assembly Constituency said the ST status demand for Meitei/Meetei is legitimate and a means to protect the community.
He made this statement when members of the STDCM (Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur) visited him at his quarter at Babupara today to submit a memorandum in connection with the demand.
During the meeting with the members of the STDCM, the MLA assured that he will lend all possible support at his disposal in moving the demand forward.
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Notably, K Robindro is the latest among other elected representatives to openly endorse the STDCM's demand for ST status to the Meitei/Meetei community.
It may be mentioned that the STDCM has been calling on MLAs and Ministers to support its demand for quite some time now.
They have held talks with several legislators and submitted memoranda highlighting the need for granting the ST status to the Meitei/Meetei community.
STDCM has been reiterating that the ST status would provide the much needed Constitutional protection and save the community from possible extinction in the near future.
It has been claiming that Constitutional protection is the only way that could protect the people of the community, their land, culture and identity.
It had claimed that with no Constitutional protection, the Meitei/Meetei would soon become a minority in Manipur in the near future.
Notably, responding to its demand for ST status to Meitei/Meetei, the Centre in 2013 had written to the State to send recommendations required for consideration.
However, the State Government is yet to send the recommendations sought and has not yet taken a decision on the matter.
The STDCM, on the other hand, has been pressuring the Government to send its recommendations to the Centre for consideration.
The committee along with the people and several organisations have been demonstrating a series of sit-in protests across the State demanding positive actions from the Govt.