Nimaichand backs ST demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, March 26 2018: Former Minister Dr Nimaichand Luwang has said that Meetei/Meitei community should be included in the ST list as the community fulfils all the criteria for ST as mentioned in the Indian Constitution.

He made the statement as a part of the continuous opinion seeking campaign of Manipur Schedule Tribe Demand Committee, Thoubal branch, at his residence at Yairipok Bishnunaha.

Speaking to media persons, Dr Nimaichand Luwang said that the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list is a valid and reasonable demand and claimed that it is disheartening to see the Meitei community, which has all the characteristics of a tribe, listed in the general category.

Even ancient records state that Meitei/Meetei community is a tribe and even though they follow Hindu religion, Meitei/Meetei are always linked with Sanamahism, he added.

He expressed belief that the community failed to get included in the ST list due to the failure and mistakes of some individuals/party in the early days.

There are also stories that even the communities in the SC list, should have been in the general category but were prevented by some individuals with vested interests, he added.

Dr Nimaichand said that the constant problems between the people of the hills and the valley would not have existed if the people of the State had all been categorised equally, he added.

Inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list is necessary for peace and tranquillity in the State.

If the community is classified as ST, the current demand for a Bill or law to protect the indigenous people will come automatically, he added.

Urging the political leaders to take necessary responsibility, Dr Nimaichand said that the issue needs to be brought out and discussed in Parliament as well.

He also mentioned that communities who are already in the ST list need not fear the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the list.

STDCM Thoubal branch vice president Y Nilamani, treasurer S Kindicha, executive member and Totomsana were also present at the meet.

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