STDCM sets Aug 16 deadline for Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 30 2017:
The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) has warned of launching intense forms of agitation from August 17 unless the State Govt takes up necessary steps for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list under the Constitution of India before August 16 .
The STDCM today organised a sit-in demanding inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list under the Constitution of India at Keishampat Leimajam Leirak community hall.
The sit-in began from 11 am and ended at 4 pm .
Speaking at the venue of the demonstration, working president of STDCM Moirangthem Naodalen-khomba said the Committee has been spearheading a demand to include Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of the Constitution under Article 342 (1) .
Representatives of the Committee met Chief Minister N Biren on July 16 to discuss the demand.
In the meeting, the CM had assured the STDCM delegates in a positive note, he said .
As such, STDCM is prepared to launch intense democratic forms of agitation from August 17 if the State Govt fails to take up necessary steps for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list under the Constitution, Naodalen-khomba said .
The ST demand issue can be settled through Cabinet decision if not in the Assembly, he further said .
About 200 people including senior citizens participated in the sit-in .
Leaders like K Bhogen, Mutum Churamani, convener CBSTDC, N Gunachandra, P Sonamani, Prof N Ram Singh of CAU, M Meghachandra, ex-MLA N Nodiachand, Wareppa Naba, H Ghanashyam, Angomcha Nandalal, Okram Romen, Oinam Oken, Oja Borajaoba, RK Tharaksana and Y Muhindro, president STDCM addressed the gatherings .
They exuded confidence that the Chief Minister would take up the issue as per the wish and aspiration of the people.