No end to debate over demand for ST tag Campaign for inclusion in ST list continues
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 19 2016 :
The demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list continues as the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) with Taobungkhok Welfare Club organized a public discussion where the pros and cons of the campaign were deliberated today at Taobungkhok Awang Leikai Community hall.
President of STDCM Prof Y Mohendro, working president M Naodalenkhomba, former Human Rights Commission member Retd Col RK Rajendro and executive member Taobungkhok Welfare Club K Indrajit attended the programme as presidium members.
Among the resource persons, coordinator of STDC Robindro Sagolsem highlighted that the indigenous Meetei/Meitei community of Manipur was a tribal community from time immemorial but unfortunately after the proselytisation into Hinduism, Meiteis were categorised in the general category.
Enlistment of Meiteis in the ST category is one step towards bridging the divisions among the various communities of the State, he added.
The objective of the campaign is to bring communal harmony with all ethnic groups and communities settled in the State.
Communal harmony can be achieved after all citizens are given equal opportunities and rights to protect their land, he said.
Further, he added that Article 342 (1) of the Indian Constitution provides five different criteria for an ethnic community to be enlisted in the ST category and Meetei/Meitei has fulfilled all the criteria.
STDC has earlier sent a series of memorandum to the State Govt and Indian Govt to enlist Meetei/Meitei in the ST list.
He added that the socio-economic status and ethnography of Meetei/Meitei will be determined after surveys are conducted.
Every community should be allowed to safeguard their own interests.
Even though other tribes of India may be very backward, indigenous tribes of Manipur are of high status.
In this age of globalisation, Meiteis must protect their identity.
The true identity of the Meiteis lies in the culture and tradition of the pre-Hinduism period, Robindro added.
He further said that out of the total geographical area of Manipur which is 22,372 sq km, 90 percent of the total land is covered by hills and only 10 percent is valley.
In a few years from now, railway lines will connect the State with the rest of India and there is apprehension that Meetei/Meitei will have no place to call home, he said.
To prevent such scenario, Meetei/Meitei should be included in the ST list to avail the Constitutional protection.
It is unfortunate that some elements have been trying to project the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) in a very wrong light, he said and added that all the Meiteis should join the demand for ST status, he urged.
Only a handful of elite should not try to derail the campaign, the larger mass should be given opportunities to decide their future, he said.
All the civil society organisations need to analyse the issue collectively in a constructive manner rather than hurling allegations.
"Having the tag of ST is not degrading our societal status but rather ensuring for a brighter future for generations to come and moreover protection of the native and indigenous populace of Manipur," he added.
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