ST demand for Meiteis : ZSF backs ATSUM's stand to oppose
Source: The Sangai Express
CCpur, November 27 2022:
The Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF), general headquarters has commended the ATSUM's stand to steadfastly oppose the demand for inclusion of Meiteis as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) .
The ATSUM's opposition is a struggle against the alleged deeper malicious intent to undermine the tribal population of the State, the refusal to recognise the uniqueness of the tribal population and what makes them tribal, and an overall policy of suppression of the tribals in the State, it said.
Their opposition to the ST demand is all the more significant given the negative consequences the legitimate tribals of the State will face, the ZSF said.
"It will lead to filling up of seats reserved for tribals in educational institutions and Govt employment by those who are not legitimately tribals.
The inclusion of the Meiteis in the list ST will also lead to complete domination by the Meiteis in the political, social and economic spheres, which are already heavily skewed in their favour.
"The Governmental and other benefits granted 'to tribal members (STs) will be completely annexed by the majority community which is already in the SC and OBC categories.
The ZSF not only applauds the ATSUM's stance, but would also like to encourage the ATSUM to continue their efforts and stand firm till the end.
ZSF will always be ready to take all necessary steps to support ATSUM in its legitimate stand, and will itself do everything in its power to oppose what is unlawful," it added.