Constitutional safeguard of indigenes must: STDCM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 03 2022:
Demanding the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list of Indian Constitution to ensure safeguard of the community, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) in association with Kongba Keithel Board staged a sit-in protest at Kongba Keithel on Saturday.
Speaking on the Sidelines, Board president Moirangthem Dayanti denounced the state government's alleged indifferent attitude on the matter and only seeing it fit to act when the state erupts in chaos.
Thus, she demanded the government to act and understand the sentiments of the people and declared that Kongba Keithel Board will extend full support to all activities of STDCM.
STDCM organisation secretary Irom Rajen stated that the sit-ins are not out of preference but out of the need to ensure some safeguard for an indigenous community like the Meetei/Meitei.
He then urged the elected leaders not to waste time and instead fulfil the long-pending demand, or else it would lead to the rise of a people's movement.
During the sit-in, the protestors held placards and banners inscribed with slogans like Include Meetei/Meitei in ST List', 'Save indigenous Meetei-Meitei community', 'Forward recommendation for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in ST List', etc.