STDCM lines up public convention on Oct 6
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10 2024: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) will hold a public convention at 11 am on October 6, 2024 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Konung Mamang to discuss the stand of the State Government on the popular demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list.

Inviting all CSOs, Meira Paibi Lups, student organisations and clubs to the convention, the STDCM has asserted that the issue of enlisting Meitei/Meetei in the ST categorically cannot be sidelined by the Kuki aggression perpetually.

According to a statement issued by STDCM, it is the State Government which has been delaying the process of enlisting Meitei/Meetei in the ST category.

It said that the people's resentment is against Chief Minister N Biren and the Government led by him.

The State Government must work to bring an end to the protracted crisis.

At the same time, the State Government must initiate necessary steps to put Meitei/Meetei in the Indian Constitution's list of Scheduled Tribes, the STDCM asserted.

But so far, the State Government has not taken up a single step in this regard, it said.

At the present stage, the Central Government can do nothing on the Meitei's demand for ST status and as such there is no need to press the demand on any Central Government authority, the STDCM said.

The only thing that is needed at the moment is sending due recommendation with other necessary documents by the State Government to the Government of India, it said.

Both the Central Government and the High Court of Manipur have done what they must do on the matter, it added.

The STDCM further asserted that the demand for ST status should not be mixed with any other issue nor should it be compromised with any other demand.

If any one wishes to share detailed suggestions or observations on the movement for granting ST status to Meitei/Meetei, he/she may do through WhatsApp, email or directly to STDCM for he/she may not get enough time to share all his/her thoughts at the public convention, it added.

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