WMC resumes ST demand campaign
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 27 2024:
After a brief halt due to natural calamities, World Meetei Council (WMC) resumed its campaign for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list at Nambol Keithel on Thursday.
A release issued by WMC informed that the campaign at Nambol Keithel was supported by Meira Paibis of Nambol, Konthoujam, Leimaram, Kangmong and Heinoubok.
Pointing out that six communities of Assam, including Tai-Ahom, having a population of around 2 crore are on the verge of granted ST status, it stated that CSOs, political parties and an ULFA faction under cease fire are supporting the cause.
However, Meetei in Manipur with only around 15 lakh population continues to struggle for constitutional safeguard consequently hindering efforts of Meeteis in Assam to be recognised as an ST community.
Wondering who is advising CM N Biren for the inordinate delay in sending the proposed recommendation to the centre for inclusion of Meetei in ST list, the release cautioned that Meetei will be in critical condition if the delimitation exercise is carried out before inclusion in the ST list.
It further recalled that the mass missed call campaign for inclusion of Meetei in the ST list was endorsed by Meetei diaspora from 88 countries.
Denouncing the chief minister for his silence when Kukis, who came later protested against inclusion of Meetei in the ST list, the council further expressed dismay that the CM is keeping quiet considering that others will be angry if constitutional safeguard is provided to the Meetei.
The campaign held at Nambol was attended by WMC Manipur president U Kunjo, women's front president Matouleibi, youth president A Sajan, state joint secretary A Brojenkumar, women's front general secretary S Silvia, and state publicity secretary Th Sushila among others.