Laba shares thought on ST demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 14 2016: Like people unfurl any good umbrella no matter if it is of their favourite colour or design at the time of a sudden rainfall, people now need to take up any possible step to protect the indigenous people of the State, said senior journalist Yambem Laba.

He was speaking as a resource person at a public discussion session on the demand for enlistment of Meiteis/Meeteis as STs organised by WFC, KUF, SSF and RK Peace Vision at Tera Amudon community hall today.

Laba said that like Tripuris in Tripura, Meiteis/Meeteis are now on the verge of becoming a minority community in their own land.

Laba shares thought on ST demand

The community can protect themselves from this risk if they are protected as STs by Article 5 of the Indian Constitution, he said.

Saying that implication of the people's demand for ILPS implementation is the protection of indigenous people, Laba observed that inclusion of Meiteis/Meeteis in the ST list would serve as an alternative means to this aspiration of the people.

Stating that people unfurl any good umbrella at the time of a sudden rainfall no matter if it is of their favourite colour or design, Yambem Laba urged the public to adopt any possible option to have a Constitutional safeguard of Meeteis/Meiteis.

Stating that no custom and tradition of Meiteis/Meeteis would be distorted when they become STs, Yambem Laba said that inclusion in ST list and implementation of ILPS are the two possible steps which would give protection to the community.

Observing that the Centre can't deny the ST demand, Laba urged the concerned not to propagate STDCM's movement as anti-ILPS.

He said that those who do not want to become STs may remain in the General category if they wish.

Lt Col (Retired) Yambem Angamba, STDCM secretary Lt Col (Retired) L Lokendro and former SP of Nagaland P Sonamani also spoke at the discussion session.

Meanwhile, Manipuri ST Demand Committee, Assam has pledged support to the mass rally to be staged on September 18 in Imphal in pursuance of the demand for inclusion of Meeteis/Meiteis in the ST list.

This was resolved in a meeting held at Khorirol community hall, Lakhipur today, reports Jiri News Network.

A memorandum will also be to DCs, SDOs and Circle Officers concerned of Assam by different NGOs, civil society organisations and Meira Paibi bodies in October.

It also decided to submit a reminder to an earlier memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam regarding ST demand.

Rallies, discussion sessions and academic meetings on the issue would be organised at Meetei/Meitei dominated areas of Assam.