Titular king urges tribal brethens to support ST demand for Meiteis
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 05 2019:
The Luira Phanit, also known as the seed sowing festival was kicked off by Tashar village at its VA office compound in Ukhrul district today.
The ceremony was graced by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba as the chief guest while Forest Department Manipur ACF CW Suisa attended as functional president.
The chief guest of the function hoisted a flag marking the beginning of the eight day seed sowing festival and the Wunghira delivered a welcome song while the womenfolk presented Pheichak (Tangkhul dance steps) .
Leishemba Sanajaoba extended heartfelt greetings to all the people gathered at the festival and wished that the seeds sown now, give a bountiful and healthy harvest which can provide sufficient produce for all.
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He explained that most of the land in the State are hills, and added that the valley occupies only a small part of the State.
The Meitei community are not protected by any Constitutional safeguards and hence they have been demanding for inclusion into the ST list as a means for survival.
Expressing disappointment at the opposition to the inclusion of Meitei in the ST list from some organisations, he reasoned that if the Meitei fails to get included in the list, they will surely go extinct.
If the Meitei go extinct, even the tribal will be full of remorse as the people of the hills and the valley are brothers and sisters, he said and appealed to all those concerned not to oppose the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei in the ST list.
The inclusion of Meitei in the ST list will not affect the tribals in any way and it is only for ensuring a future for the community and also for ensuring its survival, he added.
He lauded the hill brethens for inviting another brethen of the valley adding that the bond between the people of the hills and the valley are still going strong.