ST demand protest continues
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 13 2022:
Continuing its demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list so as to ensure constitutional safeguard to the indigenous community, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) along with women vendors of Kwakeithel staged a sit-in protest at Kwakeithel on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, STDCM Youth Wing co-convenor Ching subam Manglemton Meetei recalled that they have been exerting pressure on the state government for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list for a decade now.
Though the movement was halted for two years due to Covid-19 pan demic, it has now resumed by launching peaceful demonstration including sit-in pro test since August at different places.
Yet, the government is turning a blind eye to the long overdue demand.
This vividly shows the unwillingness of the government to ensure constitutional safeguard of the Meetei/Meitei community.
Cautioning that they are prepared to launch intense protest from October if the government continues to remain indifferent, he reiterated the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list.
A woman protestor said that the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list is a just demand and alleged negligence by the government on such a sensitive issue.
She said that womenfolk will support every form of protest launched by the committee if the government fails to fulfil the demand.
Placards and banners inscribed with wordings like Include Meetei/Meitei in ST list', 'Let's save Meetei-Meitei and Manipur', 'Send recommendation for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in ST list', etc., were used during the protest.