IMF states stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2016: Expressing strong concern over the objection raised by various organisations to the Meetei ST status demand, the International Meetei Forum (IMF) has asked the antagonists of ST status demand how far the Meeteis are ahead of the Patels, Gujjars or Tai Ahoms etc.

IMF today came out with certain clarifications about the projection of Meeteis 'superiority' which appeared in local dailies in the past few days.

In a statement, IMF said that the expense on children's education will be cut and they will have an edge in job markets if the Meeteis are accorded ST status.

And it is now the time to take advantages of these benefits in order to survive.

The IMF strongly negated the inference that Meeteis are more civilised than the tribal communities.

It said that the Manipur valley was covered with jungles some 70/80 years back.

There was no sign of civilisation or development.

The number of salaried individuals were few then.

The place remained isolated from the rest of the world.

The Meeteis were shy to have contacts with dignitaries coming from outside.

They had tribal characteristics.

Unlike the perception that doctors and engineers are from the Meetei community alone, the IMF said that the tribals contributed in these fields too.

Dr Fimate, a tribal doctor contributed much in the field of health by becoming the Director of RIMS.

At present, many tribal doctors and nurses are serving at various hospitals.

The tribals made their presence felt in the field of engineering too.

There are many tribal engineers in various departments.

They even occupy the post of chief engineer in some departments.

The Kuki war, and contribution of Haipou Jadonang in fighting the British could well be remembered, it said.

In the field of sports too, tribal sports persons are making exemplary contributions.

No Meetei sports persons can reach the level of achievement attained by Mary Kom, a tribal sports person.

In politics, the tribals are no less visible.

Ex-CMs Rishang Keishing and Yangmasho Shaiza are respected political figures.

Th Muivah is a leader whose name is reckoned with in the whole of India, the IMF said.

The tribals do well in the field of art and culture.

They are ahead of the Meeteis.

All these are possible because they took the right path, it said.

Both the Meeteis and tribals have history.

The darkest chapter in the history of the Meeteis is the Seven Years Devastation.

Many Meeteis were slain by Awas and many were taken captive while many others fled from the State for their survival.

Meeteis living in Myanmar, Assam, Bangladesh are blood brothers.

The Jews now live with dignity even after about 60 lakh of them were killed by Hitler.

They could live a dignified life now because they are determined and follow the right path, it pointed out.

There is no Meetei who can establish a big company in the State to provide employment to thousands.

'Mayangs' are monopolising business activity in the State.

Meeteis cannot compete with them, the IMF said.

As such, Meeteis should strive to live by taking advantages of the benefits of ST status, it said.

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