Sit-in demands ST recognition
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 12 2021:
Demanding the state government to forward the recommendation for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list; Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STD-CM) and Wakhallon Manaba Apunba (WAMA) Kangleipak jointly staged a sit-in protest at Wahengbam Leikai here on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the sit-in, WAMA vice president Sadokpam Tomba justified the demand of STDC, adding that the movement has been supported by titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba and over 4-5 lakh people.
However, it is unfortunate that the state government is yet to forward the required recommendation, despite having received 4-5 reminders from the central government.
Cautioning of launching intense agitations if the state government fails to send the recommendation before the Election Code of Conduct is imposed, Tomba said that the Meetei/Meitei community could be pushed to the brink of extinction if constitutional safeguards such as the inclusion in the ST list is not taken up.
The inclusion in the list will not only provide protection but ensure our survival from the influx outsiders after the linkage of the state with the railways.