Discuss ST issue : MMTU
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 09 2025: With both the Central and State leadership changing its narrative on the cause of violence in Manipur every now and then, the Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU) has called on all legislators to discuss whether the Meetei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status indeed compelled the Kukis to seek separate administration or not.

In a statement, MMTU said that Meeteis have been deprived of being a ST since Manipur merged with India even though the ethnic group possesses all characteristics of a tribal group.

Saying that the majority of Meetei population endorses the demand to grant ST status to the ethnic group, the Union added that Meeteis however still have been deprived of their right to Constitutional safeguard.

Many protests have been staged, many meetings have been convened, many memoranda have been submitted but the Government still hasn't sent the required recommendation to examine whether Meetei can get ST status or not to the Centre, MMTU added.

Saying that the direction which was given by the High Court of Manipur pertaining to the Meetei demands for ST status is not related with the onslaught of Kuki narco terrorists, it added that the cause of the conflict has to be determined by the inquiry commission and investigating agencies.

The Government knows the agenda of Kukis far better than the people, it said.

MMTU, meanwhile, extended its greeting to the people of Manipur on the arrival of Ema Emoinu Iratpa Numit, which falls on January 11 .

Comment