STDCM takes ST demand to Bishnupur
Source: The Sangai Express
Moirang, January 13 2023:
There is no let off in the renewed movement spearheaded by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) demanding inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list of the Constitution as a number of womenfolk staged demonstrations at Kongba Keithel and Ningthoukhong Keithel supporting the cause today.
Today's demonstrations at the two keithels were carried out under the aegis of STDCM women wing.
Speaking to media persons at Kongba Keithel, a member of STDCM women wing Sumati Sougrakpam asked why the successive Governments are not taking any concrete decision to add the Meetei/Meitei in the ST list though the movement has already completed 10 years.
Notably, most of the valley MLAs whom the STDCM have reached out to have expressed their endorsement to the movement.
Urging the Government to forward the latest ethnographic and socioeconomic reports of Meetei/Meitei to the Centre at the earliest.
Sumati said that the demand being raised by STDCM is Constitutionally valid and won't harm the interest of other communities.
She also asked the Cabinet to take a concrete decision to forward the recommendations to the Centre in the upcoming Assembly session.
Meanwhile, a human chain was formed in front of Ningthoukhong Keithel and slogans were raised to safeguard the future of the ethnic group by enlisting them in the ST list.
There, general secretary of United Women Development Organisation.
Bishnupur RK Tombisana said that the State Government not taking the matter seriously despite submitting memoranda to different MLAs is rather unfortunate.
She also demanded foe State Government to send the recommendations to the Centre.
Different placards were also displayed by the demonstrators demanding Enlistment of Meetei Meitei in foe ST list.