IMF slams COPTAM
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 19 2013:
International Meeteis' Forum (IMF) has slammed Committee for Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (COPTAM) over the latter's "objectionable remark" proclaiming that Meeteis' bid to include themselves in the list of Scheduled Tribe (ST) is an effort to settle in hilly areas of the state as well as for questioning to prove Meeteis
are non-tribal.
In a statement, IMF pointed out that religion is not the criteria for identifying a group of people as tribal community.
It is based on one's culture.
Meetei is indigenous community of the state who has been struggling and sacrificing for Manipur and historical events are clear examples of these struggles and sacrifices.
As COPTAM is against the integrity of Manipur and its people, it time to censure such organization for the betterment of the state, IMF added.