More oppose ST demand for Meiteis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 22 2018: The Joint Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations (JCCTOM), formed by All Tribal Chief Forum Manipur, All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur, Federation of All Tribal Youth Clubs Manipur, All Manipur Tribal Union, Zeliangrong Baudi (AM&N) and Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur, has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vehemently opposing the demand for the inclusion of Meitei in Scheduled Tribe list of the Constitution.

According to the memorandum, JCCTOM secretary Robert Gonmei, exclaimed that the demand raised by the Meiteis for inclusion in the ST list is ridiculous and illogical and the tribals will oppose the demand tooth and nail.

It claimed that before Manipur merged into the Indian Union, Manipur had enjoyed all the facilities/benefits of a State except the tribals of the State, and added that the tribals were never a party to the merger agreement.

After India gained independence, in course of time, Manipur attained Statehood and began enjoying all the benefits and facilities provided by the Centre but the tribals of the State remained deprived and were systematically marginalised, it alleged.

It further claimed that the tribals in Manipur are the most unfortunate in terms of development compared to other tribals of the North East region.

They are exploited and reduced to second class citizens and the existing demandby the Meitei to be included in the ST list is a glaring example of exploitation, it alleged.

Explaining that the tribalsofManipur have only one saving grace, which is recognition as ST and the facilities given by the Central Government from time to time, JCCTOM alleged that this act has become an eye sore to the Meitei community.

The attitude and mind-set of the Meitei is a direct threat to the tribals and if they do not change their mindset, the tribals will accept the challenge, it added.

JCCTOM warned that if the Central Government yield to the demand of the Meitei community, the tribals of the State will be forced to say that social-harmony and peaceful coexistence are wishful thinking.

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