Let centre decide on ST demand: STDCM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 21 2024:
While terming as unfortunate and uncalled for the memorandum submitted by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) to the Governor opposing demand for inclusion of the indigenous Meetei/Meitei in the ST list, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (STDCM) has made it clear that Meitei/Meetei's demand for ST status does not involve reversal or downgrading of their social status or history and it is a matter for the authority concerned to determine.
In a release, STDCM publicity secretary N Debeshwor reiterated that their demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list is in accordance with the constitution of India.
As the government of India has established procedures, modalities, and criteria for considering claims for inclusion in the ST list it is the government's prerogative to take a call on whether the demand is justified or not.
If ANSAM or any other organisation or community has grievances, they should approach the state government for redressal instead of opposing a fellow indigenous tribe s claim for constitutional safeguards as such opposition may lead to unnecessary misunderstandings among the indigenous communities, it maintained.
While emphasising that the STDCM's demand does not intend to infringe upon the interests of other communities already included in the ST list, the secretary explained that the goal is to secure constitutional safeguards for the survival of indigenous Meitei/Meetei tribe in Manipur.
United effort is needed to address the challenges posed by external forces, Debeshwor stressed and appealed to all other fellow communities in Manipur, especially the Indigenous, not to oppose Meitei/Meetei's ST status demand.
He also made it clear that it is a constitutional demand crucial for their survival in their ancestral land.
Opposing it implies denying their right to survival, which is unjust, he continued.
The secretary further asserted that STDCM is committed to promoting unity among all indigenous communities in Manipur and fostering peaceful co-existence and mutual progress.