MLA Kunjakeswor backs ST demand
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 04 2022:
Acknowledging the legitimacy of the ST status demand for Meetei-Meitei community which is being spearheaded by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM), Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor has pledged his support to the movement and assured of pressing the government for sending the relevant recommendation.
As part of its ongoing movement, a team of STDCM volunteers went to the residence of the MLA at Tera Sapam Leikai on Friday afternoon and submitted a memorandum to the MLA.
While accepting the memorandum, the MLA said that the demand for ST status is a legitimate one and he will extend his full support both morally and physically.
He, however, said that there might arise some problems in getting the recognition and many issues need to be sorted out.
He stressed the need for holding consultation with all stakeholders to iron out any differences in opinion or misunderstanding.
He also assured of bringing up the matter to the chief minister.
From there, the STDCM team went to the residence of Sagolband MLA RK Imo but they could not meet him as the MLA was out in the field.
They returned without submitting the memorandum.
Meanwhile, STDCM youth wing convenor N Edison said that they are submitting memorandum to the ministers and MLAs by meeting them personally so that they could understand their stand over the issue.
STDCM is hopeful of getting its demand but they still need to pursue it through a series of movements, he said.
While terming as unfortunate and rather shocking that ST communities in the state are raising objection to the demand, he explained that hill areas of the state and people residing there are protected by the Constitution while the valley and its people are left unprotected.
This situation threatens the very existence of the Meetei community and its repercussion will be felt not only by Meeteis but also by all indigenous conununities of the state, he said and appealed to all concerned to reconsider their objection and refrain from giving negative comments on the issue.