STDCM bats for issue based elections
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 15 2021:
The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) has categorically stated that the long pending demand for granting ST status to Meetei/Meitei is one of the most important issues for the indigenous people in contemporary Manipur.
A press release issued by STDCM stated that the trend of issue-based election is lacking in Manipur.
Opining that competent representatives would come to the fore if the electors start casting their votes on issues, the STDCM reiterated that the demand for ST status for Meetei/Meitei is the most important issue for the ethnic group.
According to STDCM, an interaction programme on ST status for Meetei/Meitei was held on October 13 at Sanjenthong with the representatives of political parties active in Manipur.
Saying that the programme was organised to take the opinion of political parties on the movement of STDCM that demands ST tag for Meetei/Meitei, the committee added that BJP, INC, NPP, CPI, CPI (M), NPF, two factions of MPP, RPI (Athawale) and the united front for 12 parties were invited but only representatives of INC, NPP, RPI (Athawale) and the united font turned up for the programme.
The STDCM also expressed disappointment that the BJP which is heading the Government at both the Centre and the State didn't take part in the programme.
During the programme, STDCM general secretary K Bhogendrajit explained the necessity of giving Constitutional safeguard to the Meitei/Meetei to save itself from extinction and protect its land and legislative rights as an indigenous people.
STDCM claimed that representatives of some of the 'bigger' political parties like the INC expressed their non-committal stance while the smaller parties conveyed their endorsement to the movement during the programme.