Protests for ST demand continues
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal/Kakching, September 25 2022:
Protests demanding inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list held under the aegis of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) continued on Sunday.
In connection with the demand, Apunba Maibi Leirak Meira Paibi and Thongju Local Development Committee organised a sit-protest at Thongju Pheijaleitong Maibi Lampak on Sunday in collaboration with STDCM.
Speaking at the protest, an STDCM member cautioned that if the state government continues to ignore the demand and delays in sending recommendation to the centre, then such indifferent attitude would be construed as invitation for mass protest.
The committee will continue its fight with support of the public, till the demand is met, he asserted.
Meanwhile, a sit-in protest was also held in support of the demand by Langol Apunba Nupi Lup at Meitei Langol on Sunday.
The protestors held placards and shouted slogans demanding government to protect indigenous Meetei/Meitei community through their inclusion in ST list.
Similarly, local clubs, organisations and meira paibi activists staged a sit-in protest at Wangoo Nongyaikhong Ema Ngaikhonganbi Laibung under Sugnu assembly constituency on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Co-ordinating Body of STDCM convener Laishram Romesh Meetei observed that there is much likelihood that Meetei/Meitei community may become extinct if it is not recognised as indigenous by Constitution of India.
Hence, it is very necessary that Meetei/Meitei along with other indigenous communi ties of the state are recognised as indigenes by India's Constitution to protect our land.
The state government must send the recommendation to the centre so that Meetei/Meitei are given a safeguard under the Constitution, he said, while also appealing other indigenes living in hill areas for working together and to live harmoniously with one another.