Basanta justifies ST demand
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 14 2024:
Stating that the state government is taking the demand made by the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled tribe (ST) List seriously, BJP candidate for Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency Th Basanta Kumar assured to try his level best to fulfil the demand if he is elected in the upcoming election.
As part of the STDCM's Know Your Candidate' campaign to understand the stand of contesting candidates with regard to ST Demand, representatives of the Committee met Basanta at the latter's quarters at Babupara on Sunday.
During the meeting, Basanta praised the efforts of the Committee, while recounting his days as an IPS officer and coming across the ST issue.
He continued that the ST demand is justified and expressed belief that the fulfilment of the demand would further strengthen the relationship amongst the 34-35 indigenous communities of the state.
Assuring to make his level best to fulfil the demand if he elected in the LS election, Basanta Kumar said that ST demand would greatly benefit the future of the youth.
The ruling BJP government takes the demand seriously, and if BJP is able to take the majority in the centre and form the government again, it will greatly assist in addressing the demand.
STDCM president Dhiraj Yumnam said that the campaign is being conducted to enable the people to learn more about the candidates and their thoughts on the ST issue.
If the Meetei/ Meitei had been included in the ST List, the conflict would not have broken out, he remarked, while stressing the importance of ST status for Meetei/Meitei.