STDCM to intensify stir after public discourse
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 08 2022: Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) convener L Romesh has said that a public convention will be held on October 13 wherein a decision will be taken to intensify the ongoing agitation for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of Indian Constitution as the state government has been ignoring the democratic agitations being launched by the committee for the past one and half months.

Addressing media persons at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, Thangmeiband, here, on Saturday, Romesh said that the committee in coordination with different clubs and Meira Paibi organisations had staged sit-in-protests at more than 40 different locations of the state to press the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of Indian Constitution.

Except stating that the state cabinet had discussed the demand and assuring to take positive action, the chief minister is yet to announce the state government's decision on sending the required recommendation to the Centre till date, he said, adding that the public convention to be held on October 13 at DM campus will take a definite decision with regard to launching intense forms of agitation with the people.

According to L Romesh, Coordinating Body Committee which initiates the ongoing democratic agitation under the aegis of STDCM has now been expanded from 25 organisations to 28 with the joining of World Meetei Council, Salai Kanba Lup and Kangleipak Kanba Lup.

The agitation being launched by STDCM for granting ST status to Meetei/Meitei has completed 10 years but the government is yet to give a positive response till date or even hold talk with those opposing the demand.

While questioning the reason behind the state government's inability to send recommendation to the Centre, L Romesh urged government to take a firm decision and send recommendation if it thinks that the demand is reasonable and good for future generation.

The press conference was also attended by World Meetei Council president U Kunjo, Salai Kanba Lup assistant general secretary Khakpa Khuman and Kangleipak Kanba Lup advisor Jillangamba Khomdram.

Meanwhile, sit-in-protests were held at three different places on Saturday as part of the ongoing agitation being launched under the aegis of STDCM for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of Indian Constitution.

The protests were held at Wahengbam Leikai, Khundrakpam and Bishnupur.

The protest at Wahengbam Leikai was organised by Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WMA) while the protest at Khundrakpam was organised jointly by Youth Development Organisation Nupi Lup and Welfare Organisation Khundrakpam Awang Leikai.

The protest at Bishnupur was organised by local Meira Paibi organisation.

Comment