ST status for Meiteis:: Tribal leaders thumb down
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, July 27 2013 :
A panel discussion of tribal intellectuals has termed the move of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur Valley (STDCMV) as 'backward process' .
STDCMV has been demanding for converting the Meitei community who belong to the general category as into Scheduled Tribe under the Constitution of India.
Organised by All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) at Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Imphal, the programme after a prolonged panel discussion on the theme 'Constitution perspective of Scheduled Tribe vis- a-vis the communities of Manipur' the tribal leaders present in the meeting adopted a unanimous decision for the well being of the tribal people.
The meeting vehemently opposed the move of the STDCM as it is a backward process.
The meeting resolved that a 'core committee' inclusive of the members from various disciplines under the aegis of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) be formed at the earliest.
It was also resolved that anything related to the administration of the hills should be referred to the Hill Area Committee (HAC) under Article 371(C) to secure effective governance of the hills.
Nehkholal Haokip who is the assembly affairs of ATSUM gave a welcome address while ATSUM president Muan Tombing delivered the key-note address.
Dr.Gaikhamsim, Dr.Khashim Ruivah, Daniel Ramson, Dr Benjamin Gangmei and Advocate Khupchinpau Guite participated in the panel discussion.