ST demand: Human chain formed in Jiri
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 15 2023:
In continuation of its demand to the state government for forwarding the requisite recommendation for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list to the centre; Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM), Jiribam and Cachar units jointly organised a human chain protest and shouted slogans in front of the statue of Irabot at Jiribam Keithel on Sunday.
Speaking on the sidelines, one of the protestors explained that the human chain was formed as part of the series of protests for inclusion of Meeteis in the ST list.
The protestor then urged the state government to forward the recommendation at the earliest, adding that this is the only way to keep the community safe and ensure overall harmony.
Later, the protestors shouted slogans like Include Meitei/Meetei in ST List', Forward recommendation to include Meitei/Meetei in ST list' etc.
Meanwhile, STDCM volunteers along with vendors of Kakwa Keithel carried out a rally on Saturday demanding inclusion of Meitei/ Meetei in the ST list.
In this regard, STDCM assistant general secretary Sumati Sougrakpam condemned personnel of Singjamei police station for blocking the protesters and further condemned the state government for feigning silence on the ST issue till date.
She then urged the government to discuss the matter in the upcoming Assembly session in February and forward the required recommendation to the centre, while cautioning of more intense agitations in case of failing to do so.