Sit-in demands inclusion in ST list
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 21 2021:
In support of the movement being launched by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STD-CM) for inclusion of Meetei-Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, Unity Khurai and Lairikyengbam Leikai Club Co-Ordinating Committee staged a sit-in protest at Khurai Sajor Leikai and Lairikyengbam Leikai respectively on Sunday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the sit-in, one of the protestors remarked that the Meetei-Meitei community which is considered as a major community in the state has been reduced to a minority population and is now on the brink of disappearance.
The Indian Constitution allows its citizens to move and reside freely in any part of the country.
However, this has been detrimental for a small state like Manipur as the influx of outsiders is now pushing the limits of the community.
In addition, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act (MLRLA) Act, 1960 prevents the valley residents from buying land in the hills, while the hill residents are allowed to buy land and settle anywhere in the state.
This has also made the future of the indigenous Meetei-Meitei community more uncertain, the protestor conveyed.