ST demand: STDCM forms human chain
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 31 2023:
In continuation of its demand to the state government to forward the required recommendation for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list to the centre; Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) carried out human chain demonstrations at Koirengei and Yangangpokpi markets respectively on Tuesday.
The human chain at Koirengei market was jointly organised by Koirengei Welfare Club, Koirengei Bazar Development Committee and Koirengei Bazar with representatives of 21 different local clubs and Meira Paibi groups of Koirengei, along the national highway, after conduct of a public meeting at Koirengei Bazar Development community hall.
The protesters shouted slogans and held placards inscribed with slogans demanding inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list.
Speaking on the sidelines, STDCM general secretary K Bhogendrajit said that the Committee has already met with 34 MLAs with regard to the demand and added the Committee will be meeting the remaining MLAs as well.
He then said that the protests on Tuesday were carried out after public meetings, and urged the government to understand the sentiments of the people and forward the recommendation at the earliest.
Remarking that there is no basis for bringing the matter of including a community in the ST list, for discussion in the House; he said that the state government only needs to approve the same and forward the requisite recommendation.
This does not need a Bill.
Although there is no harm in discussing the matter in the Assembly, the important thing is sending the requisite recommendation to the centre along with the required documents.
Thus, he urged the government to do so, while expressing firm belief that it will fulfil the demand before the movement becomes violent.
On the other hand, demanding inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list, a public meeting was held at Yangangpokpi Keithel on Tuesday afternoon.
Later, members of STDCM, Yangangpokpi Meira Paibi and Yangangpokpi Bazar Board along with the locals carried out a protest rally in and around Yangangpokpi Keithel area, following which a human chain was formed, wherein various slogans related to the ST demand were raised.