STDCM decries ban on street corner meetings
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 15 2022:
The coordinating body of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) has decried revocation of permit for conducting street corner meetings to make the public aware about the ST demand ahead of the ensuing state assembly election.
Addressing a press meet at the committee's office at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, Thangmeiband on Tuesday, the coordinating body's convener Laishram Romesh said that most of the candidates for the ensuing assembly election do not have proper knowledge on the need for constitutional protection for Meetei/Meitei community.
In order to create awareness in this regard, STDCM started conducting street corner meetings from February 12 with the permission of DC Imphal West.
These street corner meetings were carried out by three to four representatives of the committee at suitable locations with the appeal to elect the right candidates, who could support the demand and stand for it.
However, a revocation order was issued in the evening of February 13 by the DC, he said while demanding an explanation for the revocation of permit.
The committee will file an application seeking reason for revocation of permit, he said.
He also appealed to the authority concerned to support the movement of the committee to ensure constitutional support for the endangered indigenous community of the state.
On the other hand, the BJP government has not taken up any significant steps towards fulfilling the demand even though chief minister N Biren repeatedly accepted the legitimacy of the demand.
Lack of firm commitment in this regard shows how the CM and his government take the matter lightly, he added.