Centre likely to discuss ST demand: Thanga MLA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 16 2022:
As part of its ongoing agitation launched by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STD-CM) for sending the requisite recommendation to the Centre for inclusion of Meetei/ Meitei in the ST list of the Indian Constitution, leaders of different organisations under the aegis of Coordinating Body of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee stormed the residence of Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro on Friday and submitted a memorandum.
After receiving the memorandum at his Keirenphabi Mamang Leikai residence in Bishnupur district, MLA Rob-indro confided to the agitators that there is report about the Centre in favour of initiating discussion on inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of Indian Constitution and high possibility that the Centre would take positive step in the interest of the people.
He also said that the demand being raised by STDCM is reasonable and chief minister N Biren Singh, who is working towards cementing unity among different communities, would take a positive step.
According to MLA Robindro, Meetei/Meitei people were tribal earlier as per record and all the indigenous people of Manipur lived together with love and harmony as tribal.
However, some sections became general and some categorised as SCs, he said and opined that the demand for granting recognition to Meetei/Meitei as one of ST communities under the Indian Constitution is legitimate.