MU association appeals for inclusion of Meetei in ST list
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 04 2021:
While demanding that government of Manipur forward necessary recommendation for inclusion of Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, Meetei Students' Association Manipur University (MSAMU) has contended that inclusion of Meetei in the ST list for constitutional safeguard, even though decades late, is a right move and as such, appealed to all concerned not to misinterpret the move in any way.
In a statement issued by its president Chongtham Dipu, MSAMU said that the movement for inclusion in ST list is to protect the language, identity, art and culture of the indigenous community.
Although Meetei community was categorised as minority when Manipur was merged to India in 1945, some shallow-minded individuals looked the other way and insisted on categorising as general.
In spite of that, the total population of the community at present is just around 14/15 lakh which is not even one per cent of the total population of India.
So, the inclusion will serve as a protective shield and a means of survival, guaranteed by the Constitution, for the small community against the influences of the mainland in terms of opportunities, culture, etc.
"The movement is and should be support by other communities.
Considering the prolonged democratic approach for the same, those who are not the authority concerned should stop making baseless statements without any ground reality or common sense," it contended.
"The Meetei community is currently facing a crisis to its survival.
Others are robbing it of its rights, land, etc, while it is stubbornly holding on to meaningless points.
Meanwhile, there is also the need for ensuring the bonds between the different communities, which have been in existence since time immemorial, by maintaining cooperation and mutual respect.
It is unfortunate that certain or ganisations such as ATSUM seem to take the take whole situation as a game even when the entire existence of the state is under threat, as is seen from its continuous objections to the demand of Meetei community, regardless of the reason is valid or not.
As such, it is only evitable for the other to try to grab what is entitled to them," MSAMU maintained, while questioning why those objecting the movement are afraid if they are truly in the right.
At present, it is a 'do or die' situation.
Thus, it would be best for all parties if no more attempts are made to break the bonds between the hill and the valley, it remarked.
"It is up to the authority concerned to ascertain if the movement is reasonable or not.
Those on the sidelines need not interfere.
What is more important is to take the long term prospects into account and ensure the survival of Meetei Community and other communities alike, which are sharing similar characteristics.
The movement should be supported by all sections of the society including teachers, students, writers, experts, etc., for the sake of the future generations to come.
The community first needs to get a firm stronghold for it to help other communities.
It is only then that the other communities start respecting us and this will further help in safeguarding the state.
Therefore, let those who are adamant to object continue to object", MSAMU remarked, while urging the government to take up necessary steps while there is still time to do so.