RK Meghen sounds word of caution
Kakching MLA underscores urgency of ST categorisation
Source: The Sangai Express

Sugnu, January 29 2023: The fourth plenary session of the World Meitei Council (WMC) was held today at Balika Ground, Sugnu.

Kakching AC MLA Mayanglambam Rameshwar, WMC chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam, former Minister Dr Nimaichand Luwang, Manipur Human Rights Commission ex-Chairman Khaidem Mani and former rebel leader RK Meghen attended the plenary session as presidium members.

Giving a brief speech before the gathering, former rebel leader RK Meghen said that getting the ST tag may be good for the Meiteis but underscored the point that this may sow seeds of disagreements and clash of ideas with others in the land.

The former rebel leader left the venue shortly after his speech, and chairman of the WMC, Heigrujam Nabashyam then took centre stage and asked what is there to be wary of when the ST demand has been raised to ensure the survival of the Meiteis in their own land.

fourth plenary session of the World Meitei Council (WMC)

Speaking at the convention held under the theme 'Reawakening Our Spirit of Oneness in Thought and Action', MLA M Rameshwar pointed that the Meiteis despite being the majority community of Ma-nipur are confined to just around 8.5 per cent of the State's total geographical area.

Even after more than 90 per cent of the State's territory are left to the tribes, the living space of Meiteis is shrinking day by day and it is posing serious challenges to the community's survival, Rameshwar said.

"If we must overcome these formidable challenges, there is no option other than enlisting ourselves in the Scheduled Tribe category", the MLA said.

The Meiteis were already recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in 1931 but the community was removed from the ST list in 1951 .

It is essential for every one to have a clear understanding of how and under whose insistence Meiteis were removed from the ST list, he said.

As a result of the deletion of Meitei from the ST list, the community remained economically backward and has become a minority in State administration and political institutions, Rame- shwar said.

"If we must overcome this unfolding issue, we need to struggle collectively by supporting each other", the MLA asserted.

He also conveyed gratitude to the WMC for its contribution towards connecting Meiteis settled in different parts of the world and providing a common platform for the ethnic group to work together.

Pointing out that the Meitei ancestors created a rich cultural heritage, Rameshwar said that the community needs to protect and promote its identity, culture, traditions and history.

Remarking that Meiteis are generally egoistic and hyper critical, and they seldom appreciate others, the MLA said that the Meiteis need to learn to appreciate others if they are doing good for the society.

The plenary session featured cultural dance and music items.