STDCM to stage mass rally on Sept 18
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27 2016:
The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) is set to launch democratic forms of protest including a mass rally on September 18 to press their demands for inclusion of Meetei/ Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list.
In an interaction with media persons today at their office located at Uripok Dewan Leikai, convener of the Coordinating Body, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur Mutum Churamani said STDCM since the past many years has been demanding inclusion of Meetei/ Meitei ethnic community into the Scheduled Tribe list under Article -342 (1) of the Indian Constitution.
The genuine demand of STDCM is to attain communal harmony between all ethnic groups of the State.
If and when recognised as an ST, the Meetei/Meitei will be given equal opportunities and rights to protect their land, culture, tradition under the Indian Constitution, he said.
The set of criteria to include an ethnic community under the ST list are well fulfilled by Meetei/Meitei, he added.
In this regard STDCM has submitted a series of memorandum and ultimatums to the State Govt and even to the Union Govt, he added.
Even though the Union Govt has given positive response and asked the State Govt to submit relevant documents and other records and recommend for inclusion in the ST list, the State Govt has failed to take up any positive steps and it has forced STDCM to raise a series of democratic protests and agitations, Churamani added.
STDCM has made all strategic and logistic plans to launch a 12 hour long hunger-strike at the heart of Imphal city to be participated by more than 100 members from August 7 if the State Govt fails to look into their demands, he added.
The proposed mass rally on September 18 will be for every citizens belonging to Meetei/ Meitei ethnic community excluding students below Class XII.
Besides the mass rally, various other campaigns including poster campaign, signature campaign, relay hunger-strike and street corner meeting etc will be launched to sensitize the masses.
Further he said that STDCM will not impose any bandh or blockade while pressing the demands on the State Govt but the authorities concerned should not construe the plea of STDCM and the Meetei/ Meitei people as weak or meek demands.
Churamani also urged the people to extend their support to the genuine demands of the Meetei/ Meitei community.
Key members of STDCM including President Dr Y Mohendra, working president M Naodalenkhomba, general secretary Retd Col L Lokendro, joint secretary K Bhogendra and executive member Robindro Sagolsem were also present at the press meet.