MVSTAC demands ST Constituency in valley
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 20 2020:
The Manipur Valley Scheduled Tribe Assembly Constituency Demand Committee (MVSTAC) is submitting a memorandum to the Government of India and all authorities concerned demanding creation of Scheduled Tribe Assembly Constituency in Manipur Valley, said a statement of its media and publicity cell today.
There are about 120 tribal villages and colonies in about 24 valley Assembly Constituencies with more than 50,000 permanent residents living since hundreds of years.
The tribal communities in the valley consisting of Zeliangrong (including Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Kabui, Inpui, Naga), Kuki (including Haokip, Thadou, Khongsai, Kipgen, Baite etc) Vaiphei, Gangte, Khoibu, Simte, Mate, Tangkhul, Poumai, Mao, Koireng, Chiru, Moyon, Lamkang, Aimol, Monsang, Anal, Mizo, Paite, Zou, Hmar, Kharam, Kom, Maring, Thangal, Maram and Tarao etc are unable to elect even a single tribal representative since the creation of 60 Assembly Constituencies till date due to absence of reservation provision, claimed MVSTAC.
Due to absence of their own elected representatives, the State Assembly has not been able to reflect the existence of the valley tribal people, their sentiments and interests, claimed the committee.
While the tribal people living in hill districts of Manipur are entitled to benefits of various schemes, grants, financial assistance etc of the Government of India and the State Government under the Department of Tribal Affairs, the valley tribal people are not able to get the same benefits as the schemes are meant only for those in the hill districts, the committee said claiming that the condition and situation of the tribal people living in Manipur valley areas have become worse from bad.
Creation of the Scheduled Tribe Assembly Constituency in the valley will bring economic and social progress, equal opportunity, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence of all in the coming days.
Besides, the same will make the State Assembly reflect the sentiments and interests of the valley tribal people, it said.
Appealing all to cooperate and support its demand, the committee expressed that it expects positive response from elected representatives of the State, right thinking citizens, political parties, civil and social organisations who advocating unity and integrity, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.