STDCM sustains demand for ST status
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 16 2022:
Continuing its protest movement demanding inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list for ensuring constitutional safeguard to the indigenous community, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) and Netaji Memorial Club jointly organised staged a sit-in protest at the club located at Khurai Kongpal Sajor Leikai on Friday.
The protestors held placards inscribed with slogans like, 'Save Meetei/Meitei, Save Manipur', 'No ST status, no railway line', 'Send recommendation for inclusion in ST list', etc., during the protest.
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, STDCM youth wing convenor Nameirakpam Edison asserted that demanding constitutional safeguard for Meetei/Meitei community by including it in the ST list is a legitimate demand.
Though the people claimed that Meetei/Meitei is an indigenous community, it is never recognised by constitution of India till now.
The constitution recognised Adivasi/scheduled tribe as indigenous people; he pointed out, while explaining that constitution provides safeguard for such communities.
As Meetei/Meitei is not included in the ST list, there is no protection for the community.
Any person can purchase land and contest election, but there is restriction on owning land in areas resided by communities included in the ST list.
So, to save Meetei/Meitei community, inclusion in the ST list is a must, he reasoned.
Seeking support from clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi to join the protest movement which will continue till October 20, Edison cautioned that there will be no future for Meetei if people failed to wake up while there is still time.
Locals participating in the protest assured that they will extend support to more intense form of protest including bandh, general strike to be launched by the committee if the government continues to turn a deaf ear to the demand.