HC decree on ST row evokes mixed reactions
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Churachandpur, February 22 2024: The Manipur High Court s decision to delete a paragraph from its March 2023 order which urged the state to consider including the Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, has evoked contrasting reactions from the two warring communities in the northeastern state.

While Meetei organisations said it will continue the movement for ST status for the community claiming it is not just a matter of the judiciary, a Kuki body welcomed the verdict asserting that it is the right decision.

Keithellakpam Bhogen, the general secretary of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STD-CM), expressed determination to continue the movement for ST status for the Meetei/Meitei community despite the court's decision.

He said the issue is not solely a judicial matter and vowed to persist in their efforts, including engaging with legislators.

World Meetei Council president Heigrujam Nabashyam downplayed the significance of the directive, stating that their demand for ST status would persist, unaffected by the court's decision.

The March 27, 2023 directive, believed to be a catalyst for ethnic unrest that claimed over 200 lives, was rescinded by a single judge bench of Justice Golmei Gaiphulshil-lu during a review petition hearing on Wednesday.

The contentious paragraph from last year's verdict, instructing the state to expedite consideration of Meetei community inclusion, was deemed for deletion.

On the other hand, the Zomi Council Steering Committee convener welcomed the high court's decision, considering it the right course of action.

ITLF media spokesperson Ginza Vualzong criticised the Meetei community's demand for ST status, characterising it as absurd and driven by ulterior motives such as land acquisition of tribals.

Vualzong argued that the Meeteis, being an advanced group with their language recognised in the Constitution, should not seek ST status.

Meeteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts as well as in the plains.

(with inputs from PTI) .

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