ATSUM submits memo against ST demand
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 03 2013 :
The demand to grant the Meiteis a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status continues to create pandemonium in Manipur.
On Saturday, All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) in a memorandum submitted to Manipur chief minister O Ibobi said, "In the event of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) gaining momentum for recognition of Meeteis as ST and considering the impending dangerous socio- political upheavals in the state, we, the executive council of ATSUM, on behalf of the tribal communities of Manipur beg to submit this memorandum for your impartial judgement and action" .
The ATSUM said it does not have any political affiliation or allegiance to any political party.
"Nevertheless, as an apex hill based tribal students' organisation living in the state of Manipur, it is our bounden duty to share our shared opinion and displeasure over the ill- conceived demand of the STDCM for recognition of ST to the Meeteis who have been living at par with the rest of the privileged section of societies in all spheres of lives for the past sixty years of independence" .
The ATSUM memo said the 'illogical' claim that the Meeteis fulfilled all the criterion to become ST on the basis of Mongoloid race and prevalence of distinctive religion and culture is irrational on the ground that any community big or small practice some form of religion and possess a unique culture of their own.
In other words, having religion or separate culture doesn't necessarily mean or constitute the prime reason to include a particular community to be in the list of scheduled tribe, ATSUM stated.