Don't interfere in Meetei's ST demand: MU MSA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 19 2024: Meetei Students' Association (MSA), Manipur University has categorically stated that no community has the right to obstruct and interfere in the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list under Article 342 (A) of the Indian Constitution.

In a statement, MSA president Nikel Haobijam asserted that the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei community in the ST list has merit and reason as granting ST status to Meeteis will guarantee protection and safeguard of the community from geo-political aspects.

The inclusion of Meeteis in the ST list will in no way violate the interest of other communities.

Moreover, the ST status of Meeteis is neither to be demanded from any community nor provided by any community.

It is the constitutional right of the Meeteis, affirmed the president.

The release further said that the Meetei, with population is only around 13 lakhs, is being engulfed by 140 crore population of India in addition to the Imphal valley which is around 700 square miles is inhabited by different communities consequently imperiling economy, culture and tradition of the indigenous Meeteis.

Stating that there is no statute that a community which has a civilization dating back to 33 AD cannot be included in the ST list of Indian Constitution, the release pointed out that even the Kshatriyas and Aryans of the ancient Vedic civilization dating back to 1500 to 300 BC have been recognised as scheduled tribes.

Many other communities in India belonging to ancient civilizations are also included in the scheduled tribe list of the Constitution of India, reasoned the president.

The release further mentioned that the Meeteis have on a number of occasions been invaded by people from other kingdoms during which over 12 lakh Meeteis lost their lives, a fact recorded in the historical chronicles of the British and the Burmese.

Despite such killings on a massive scale throughout the history of Manipur, the Meeteis have be able to survive till this day.

Illegal immigrants from across the border have been infiltrating Manipur and settling in the hill areas where the Naga people once settled.

Now the population of Kuki-Zo has increased to 8 lakhs.

These illegal immigrants have in the past declared war against the Naga brothers.

Now they are demanding a separate administration and homeland.

The Supreme Court in 2011 and Delhi High Court in 2014 had passed judgments saying that no community which are not indigenous of the land can be given ST status.

However, it is very unfortunate that the Kuki-Zo people who are not indigenous people of Manipur have been enjoying the ST status since 1951.This is against the Article 19 (1) of Indian Constitution, the release contended.

Inclusion of Meetei in the ST list will help all communities in the state live equally.

If at all there is difference of opinions, we all need to discuss it on the table, the release stressed.

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