ST Status for Assam's Meeteis depends on Manipur
- October 11th, 2024 :: World Meetei Council (Assam State Unit) -

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ST Status for Assam's Meeteis depends on Manipur

To
Hon'ble Shri N. Biren Singh
Chief Minister, Manipur

Subject: ST Status for Assam's Meeteis depends on Manipur

Hon'ble Sir,

Greetings from the Assam State Unit of the World Meetei Council!

We find it necessary to reiterate our concerns regarding the Meetei community residing in Assam, who has no political space in the state of Assam. To protect our identity from being decimated in the huge Assam society of 3.3 crore population we have been advocating for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Assam for a considerable time, predating similar demands from Meeteis in Manipur.

The Assam government has made it clear that the recommendation for ST status for the Meeteis in Assam is contingent upon the recognition of the Meeteis of Manipur as Scheduled Tribes. Furthermore, we are aware that several key communities in Assam are on the verge of being included in the ST list.

The Meeteis living outside Manipur face serious economic and political challenges. We believe that, as the Chief Minister of Manipur, you represent not only the people of your state but also the broader Meetei community across India.

Our situation is urgent, especially with the impending delimitation of constituencies in 2026, which could adversely affect the representation of Meeteis in Manipur, given the declining population.

In light of these circumstances, we earnestly appeal to you to kindly do the needful to include the Meeteis of Manipur in the ST list before the 2026 Delimitation so that our inclusion in Assam may also be realised as well.

Thank you for your kind attention!

With highest regards,

Th. Brajamohan
President
Assam State Unit, World Meetei Council