STDCM takes demand to CAF&PD Minister
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 20 2022: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) once again stormed the residence of a Minister demanding the State Government to send recommendation for inclusion of Meeteis/Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

Today, a large number of STDCM volunteers and representatives of several organisations with banners stormed the residence of CAF & PD Minister Leishangthem Susindro at Khurai Sajor Leikai and submitted a memorandum.

Notably, the STDCM had stormed the residence of MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand on October 18.Failing to submit a memorandum to the Minister, the STDCM had then stressed that they would continue to storm residences of Ministers to mount pressure on the Government.

STDCM takes demand to CAF&PD Minister

At his residence, the Minister assured the STDCM that its memorandum will be discussed amongst the Ministers and elected Members to pave the way for sending the necessary recommendation to the Centre for its consideration to include the Meeteis/Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list.

STDCM's joint secretary said the memorandum was submitted to the CAF & PD Minister according to a resolution it took during a public convention held on September 30.The committee had resolved to submit memorandum to all elected Members.

This move, he said, is to put pressure on the Government and make them serious about the legitimate demand.

To protect the Meetei/Meitei ethnic community in the long run, its inclusion in the ST list is the only way.

Its inclusion in the ST list would provide Constitutional safeguards, he said.

It may be noted that the STDCM for more than 10 years has been demanding the Scheduled Tribe tag for Meeteis/Meiteis.

It has been holding a series of sit-in protests at places across Manipur.

Significantly, the Government of India in 2013 had written to the State Government to send necessary recommendations for its consideration to include Meeteis/Meiteis in the ST list.

However, the Manipur Government has not yet sent the recommendation sought by the Centre.

It may be mentioned that in January this year, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said that the State Government had never sidelined the ST demand.

Those who stormed the residence of L Susindro included volunteers of STDCM, 10 Union Khurai, Tips, Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), WAS-DEV, KKL, LSTKL and UKAL etc.

Separately, Eroisemba Youth Development Club (EYDC) and Iroishemba Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and locals organised a sit-in protest demanding ST tag for Meeteis/Meiteis at Jodhachandra Market Shed, Iroishemba.

The sit-in protest also took resolutions to support STDCM in its demand for ST tag and its future course of action.

STDCM convenor Laishram Romesh Meitei also took part in the protest.