UTPCM opposes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 01 2019:
The United Tribal Peoples' Council Manipur (UTPCM) has strongly objected the demand raised by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) for inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list.
A press release issued by the association claimed that there are clear criteria for identifying a community as Scheduled Tribe which include factors like indication of primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the community at large and backwardness.
Stating that these may not be spelt out in the Constitution but is well established and cannot be deviated from, UTPCM alleged that the Meitei community does not qualify for even one of the said criteria.
Stating that the Meitei community is the most advanced community, not only in the State but also in the whole North East region, the association made it clear that the Meiteis cannot be specified as ST.
It continued that the tribal people cannot be treated on par with the Meitei community and explained that Meiteis and tribal people are different and are two different groups of people in all respects.
Claiming that the tribal communities are inadequately represented in public services, a situation which has not improved till date, and their economic status are extremely low, UTPCM stated that it will vehemently oppose the demand of the STDCM.