Kuki student bodies appeal to halt deletion of 'Any Kuki Tribes'
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, March 19 2021: The Kuki Students' Organizations have appealed to the Chief Minister N Biren Singh to halt any further process for the deletion of 'Any Kuki Tribes' from the recognized Scheduled Tribes list.

Presidents of KSO General Headquarters and all its branches including Jiribam, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, Sadar Hills, Chandel Imphal and Kamjong had submitted a joint representation on this issue.

It stated that much to the dismay of the people belonging to 'Any Kuki Tribes', the Manipur State Government in its Cabinet meeting on October 19, 2018 approved a decision for deletion of Any Kuki Tribes from the recognised scheduled tribes list.

This decision of the government, which is wanton and unwarranted, is bound to meet severe opposition as it would deprive thousands of people of their status as a recognised scheduled tribe under the Constitution of India.

It also stated Any Kuki Tribe is deemed to be a Scheduled Tribe in Manipur as per the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes (Part C States) Order, 1951, Part VI - Entry 1 .

It was delisted by Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment Act 63 of 1956) but was relisted/ reinserted as Scheduled Tribe under the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002 (No 10 of 2003) Part X .

Apart from Manipur, Any Kuki Tribes is recognised as a scheduled tribe in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram under the Constitution of India.

There are many Kuki tribes recognised as Scheduled Tribes in Manipur under the Constitution including the Any Kuki Tribes.

At present there are 32 sub-tribes who subscribe to Any Kuki Tribes in Manipur and the State Government would be committing a big blunder if it meddles with their status guaranteed under an Act of Constitution.

The State Government decision to recommend deletion of Any Kuki Tribes demonstrates its reluctance to uphold an act of Constitution.

It also shows the State Government disrespect for the identity of the people belonging to the tribe.

The State Government's determination to delete Any Kuki Tribes from the recognised tribe of the State is apparent from the fact that it already denied or excluded the Any Kuki Tribes to receive financial help from the State for the establishment of tribe-wise tribal museums.

While Any Kuki Tribes is still a recognised scheduled tribe under the Constitution of India the State Government already acted as if the recognised Any Kuki Tribes is no longer in existence in the State , it added.

The Kuki Students Organisation expressed strong resentment over the 'wanton' decision of the Government to delete Any Kuki Tribes and is resolved to oppose any decision of the Government that threatens the status of its people whether it be Any Kuki Tribes or any other Kuki tribes recognised under the Constitution of India.

The student body also strongly urged the Government to retract its Cabinet decision and appealed to leave Any Kuki Tribes undisturbed and immediately halt any further process for its deletion while cautioning that the KSO will resort to agitation to protect the rights of the people belonging to this group if needed.

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