PPCM expresses deep concern
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 2016 :
The Protection and Preservation Committee
Manipur (PPCM) has expressed deep concern that the demand for
enlistment of Meitei/Meetei in ST category may breed confusion,
conflicts and even unrest in the society.
Speaking to mediapersons at their Wahengbam Leikai resi-
dence, PPCM convenor Dr Y Mani Khuman said that Meiteis
are one majority community of Manipur which was once a
sovereign country with well-defined boundaries and it had its
own Constitution at one point of time.
Meiteis have been taking a big role in the efforts to build
a Manipuri Nation.
The suggestion to re-build such a community from the pre-
historic stage or Stone Age is rather unacceptable to the
PPCM.
It has been learnt from media reports that a group named
the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee has been demanding
ST status for Meiteis since 2011 and they have renewed the
campaign recently.
Different communities may have misgivings and suspicion
because the issue was never discussed collectively with lead-
ers of different communities and the general public before the
demand was raised.
PPCM is apprehensive that the campaign may breed unrest
and conflicts among different communities.
"At the same time, we cannot help suspecting if the cam-
paign is driven by a hidden agenda", Dr Mani continued.
Government of India has been applying divide and rule
policy in Manipur for long.
Noting that some retired army officers and bureaucrats are
working as key members of the STDCM, the PPCM convenor
raised strong suspicion that the campaign is focused only on
certain material benefits.
With a view to avert all misunderstandings and misgivings,
the PPCM started organising public meetings on the issue
since yesterday.
Another public convention would be held at Iboyaima
Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound tomorrow.
Similar meetings would be held at Wangjing, Patsoi,
Mayang Imphal, Ningthoukhong, Oinam, Yairipok and
Sambei.