TODAY -

Demand for ST status echoes amid poll buzzes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 01 2024: Just days before the Lok Sabha polls hit Manipur, Khwairamband Ima Keithel womenfolk have renewed their demand to the Government for inclusion of the Meitei/Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribes' list.

"Send the recommendations and the requisite socio-economic survey and ethnographic report to the Centre, then people may vote wholeheartedly in the Lok Sabha elections," said the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee For Peace.

Manipur will vote in two phases -- Inner Parliamentary Constituency on April 19, along with some Assembly segments of Outer Parliamentary Constituency.

The remaining segments of the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency will vote on April 26 .

Counting will be done on June 4.Significantly, the Meitei/Meetei community, which is the only indigenous community in Manipur that has not been given the ST tag, has been demanding the status for decades.

Heeding to the demand for inclusion of the community in the ST list, in 2013, the Central Ministry of Tribal Affairs had asked the Government of Manipur to send specific recommendations along with the latest socio-economic survey and ethnographic report for its consideration.

However, even after a decade, the State Government is yet to send the recommendations the Central Ministry of Tribal Affairs had sought.

At Manipur Press Club, Imphal today, Huirem Binodini, co-convener of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee For Peace, said the demand for recognising Meitei/Meetei as a Scheduled Tribe is a legitimate demand to protect and safeguard the interests of the indigenous community.

When Manipur merged with the Union of India in 1949, the Meitei/Meetei community had all the characteristics and met all criteria to be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe.

However, the community has been deprived of this status till today, Binodini said.

She asserted that while the indigenous Meitei/Meetei community has not been given the rightful ST status, the Kukis who had migrated to Manipur have been recognised as a Scheduled Tribe.

The Meitei/Meetei community today is facing many challenges and issues on many fronts which may be addressed only when it is given the Scheduled Tribe tag, she said.

The Meiteis/Meeteis have been forced to settle in the valley which is merely 10 per cent of the total geographical area of Manipur.

While all the other communities including the Scheduled Tribes can buy land and settle in the valley, Meiteis/Meeteis can't buy land in the hills, which constitute 90 per cent of the total geographical area, she said.

Beside this issue, the Meitei/Meetei community has been left behind in many sectors.

While the community's population is shrinking, it has been deprived of many other benefits which it should have enjoyed as a Scheduled Tribe, she added.

The demand for Scheduled Tribe tag is indispensable for safeguarding the community and its interests, she said, urging the State Government to send the recommendation and the latest socio-economic survey and ethnographic report to the Central Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

While commenting on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and conditions of the people staying in relief camps, she said the displaced folks may not be able to vote with peace of mind.

"If the State Government is able to send the recommendation and the socio-economic survey and ethnographic report to the Centre's Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and show written proof to the committee, then people may vote wholeheartedly in the Lok Sabha elections," Binodini said.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 02, APR 2024
  • BJP accuses Cong of politicising Manipur crisis
  • Resist BJP's muscle and money power: O Ibobi to voters
  • In search of free and fair polls...MMAB forwards list of suggestions to CEC
  • 9 yr old boy drowns, body fished out
  • Human right activist briefs UN on Manipur crisis
  • Heavy pipes roll down from overloaded vehicle
  • Police remand extended for 5 days
  • Court frames charges against Lamjingba chairman, others
  • PREPAK(Pro) halts fund drive
  • MAYOL carries on campaign
  • Randomisation of polling personnel conducted
  • TBCA set to celebrate 125 years of Christianity, Baptist fellowship
  • Show cause notice served to doctor, Thoubal DC cautions
  • WMO, UMO condemn bomb blast at Lamtai Khunou
  • Aid extended to affected villagers
  • MSFDS announces intensive labs for film preservation & production
  • Trainings / production of Sarit-Sarak, Meetei Pung-Cholom conclude
  • Leima Chanu Nawa Tengbang Lup celebrates foundation day
  • 'Swachhta Pakhwada 2024' campaign launched at RIMS
  • CRPF conducts awareness programme
  • Anti-Rabies vaccination programmes held
  • Ibobi fears use of 'money power' in LS polls
  • BJP accuses ex-CM Ibobi of misleading people
  • DEOs intensifies process for Lok Sabha polls
  • MLA advised to return rice lifted from warehouse
  • Man shot dead after argument
  • PREPAK-Pro to conditionally suspend donation collection
  • Notice served to doctor for opting private lab
  • No more free testing at RIMS
  • TBCA to host TBG125 & Quinquennial for spiritual revival
  • Activist airs state's crisis at UNHRC
  • Displaced electors asked to submit ID form
  • State sees 6 pc growth in GST revenue collection
  • Will follow people's command not leaders', says Maheshwar
  • Will vote for those committed to NRC, ST: Womenfolk
  • Meeting of observers, candidates, political parties held
  • Rural Development interaction programme held
  • MSF to conduct written quiz competition
  • Bodies condemn poll process amid crisis
  • WMO condemns bomb attack
  • Swachhta pledge ceremony held at RIMS
  • Drown kid fished out from Thoubal River
  • Kekrupat committee seeks restriction on heavy vehicles
  • PADA celebrates World Theatre Day
  • Keithel body pitches for ST recommendation
  • Training on Manipuri folk dance ends
  • AR holds interaction meet, saves elderly woman
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Scientist of Manipur: Chandrakant Aribam
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Candy flavoured traps to hook next Gen
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #2
  • Tobacco affects health & environment too
  • Jio extend validity for Customer in Manipur
  • Students must learn about AI irrespective
  • As vote count day approaches : Floods
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #2 : Gallery
  • Flooded : Sacrifice of Yairipok's Maiden
  • World No Tobacco Day 2024
  • Chandam Rishikanta wins NPC Nat'l C'ship
  • Flood: Helpline numbers for emergency
  • Battling body odour ?
  • Floods : Not entirely natural phenomena
  • PM Modi's purpose
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #1 : Gallery
  • June Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Flood: Control Rooms & Helpline numbers
  • Economic impact of ongoing conflict
  • Army Recruitment Rally for Manipur
  • Cut deficit, boom likely
  • Are Gods angry ? Wake up call for Manipur
  • Beating of the Retreat #2 : Gallery
  • We did Overcome: Mayhem of Month of May
  • Training on mushroom at Potshagbam
  • Famous female Mathematicians in India
  • Disinformation campaign thengnare
  • Human trafficking puts humanity to shame
  • Sky opens up in all its fury
  • Licypriya meets Italy PM & Pope Francis
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Combined Defence Services Exam 2024
  • Good show in Class X exams
  • Downplaying the crisis
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #3
  • Reviving Lamphelpat : Conservation : Gallery
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #1
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hojai
  • The Power of Poppy - 32 :: Poem
  • Insights from CUET-UG Counselling
  • International Day for Biological Diversity
  • Unseen force at work: Time to unravel it
  • Sheikh Hasina's revelation
  • The Vanishing Meitei Tribe
  • Building career in defence & strategic study
  • Why example of model code of conduct ?
  • Ownership of responsibility
  • Will pressure mount on key players in NE
  • How to save your foot after an accident
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #3 : Gallery
  • Education Fair @Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Project Associate @ CSE, Assam Univ
  • Understanding schizophrenia
  • Advancement in Multi Objective Optimization
  • When will women in voter list increase ?
  • Making 2 plus 2 is equal to 5
  • Changing face of drug menace
  • Scientist of Manipur: Jayanta Manoharmayum
  • 25 yrs since Atal Vajpayee visit to RIMS
  • 4 Lakhs donated to support (L) Maipak Family
  • Clarification: Guwahati Meet on Humanitarian
  • Start UPSC prep after 12th for success
  • Tips to avoid melting makeup in summer
  • Giving a big solid push to ST demand
  • Time to come clean
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #3
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #2 : Gallery
  • A year of hostilities
  • Licypriya Kangujam to travel to Italy
  • Declining moral standards in public life
  • Healthy democracy with independent media
  • Why endangered species matter to us
  • Significant Guwahati meeting : 1st visible step
  • The Pallel story
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #2 : Gallery
  • Ukhrul: Climate change grip on water supply
  • Commemoration of World Eld's Deer Day
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Dance of democracy, a miracle in making !
  • Learn to look 10/20/30 years hence
  • The zero FIR, zero lesson
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #1: Gallery
  • MOU signed: MTI-HUB & KIIT-TBI & SAbF
  • Lament of the Mourning Choir :: Poem
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wabagai
  • RSS-BJP fracas
  • Trials for Canoe Slalom World Cup
  • Poser from a villager says it all Kamjong
  • The cover-up effort
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #2
  • Manipuri women in the arena of politics
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Assam
  • Aimee Baruah at red carpet of Cannes
  • National Defence Academy Exam 2024
  • How digital media changed communications
  • Manipur stands scandalised
  • All eyes on UP battle
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #32: Download
  • Riots to a shrine- Ram Mandir of Ayodhya
  • Handle with care. F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside!
  • The Power of Poppy - 31 :: Poem
  • Celebrate the journey !
  • Career counselling : A life guidance tool
  • Scientist of Manipur: Amom Ruhikanta
  • Conspiracy, thy name is Kuki !
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Thounaojam
  • Ket Meth New Album "Ghost Stories"
  • World Hypertension Day
  • International Day of Families
  • Let the rule of law prevail
  • When donation becomes obligatory demand
  • Tourism of Manipur through Gastronomy
  • Beyond Eternity :: Poem
  • Patriarch subjugation on women
  • Celebrate Manipuri Cinema shine at Cannes
  • Training on cultivation of various mushroom
  • Transformative impact of Ayurveda & Yoga
  • War for over a year : Delhi is answerable
  • The logic behind illogical chargesheet
  • Preserving Thang-Ta :: Rare Photos
  • Regarding Human Rights Situation in Manipur
  • World Hypertension Day 2024
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #3
  • Disinformation campaign touba thengnarey
  • Deeply mourn the demise of Oja Biren Lamba
  • Water Mimosa for sustainable development
  • Publicity drives of educational institutions
  • ED's revolutionary move!!!
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #2: Gallery
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • AISSE 2024 Exam Result- RKM Imphal
  • Gold, new world currency !
  • Milk for hair and skin
  • Of illegal immigrants & the larger picture
  • The missive from Kamjong
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • Sezo Ringa- Debut Music Video "Revival"
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #2
  • After Class XII where? The eternal question
  • Entry of Arvind Kejriwal
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #1
  • Our nurses, our future: Power of care
  • Screenplay Writing course concluded
  • Workshop on IP & Patent Filing held
  • Let there be less Politics in Sports
  • Sam Pitroda is absolutely white
  • Motherhood: Soul & spirit of family & society
  • Time has come to criminalise ecocide
  • Meiteis, a disappearing community in Manipur
  • World Bamboo Congress @Taiwan : Gallery
  • Ima Manipur should smile more
  • 2nd National Lok Adalat at High Court
  • The Power of Poppy - 30 :: Poem
  • Army impact on Tamphasana Wushu odyssey
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • "Dynamic library service" :: Book Rvw
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Environment
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #2
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #4
  • Delhi's stand after 1 year of clash
  • A new type of terrorism
  • Scientist of Manipur: Waikhom Vishwanath
  • SRF, JRF, RA @ Assam University
  • The Bleeding River :: Poem
  • Executive Meeting of WMC Assam Unit
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #1
  • Raising the call to replace Minister
  • A storm in a political teacup
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Happy Mother's Day
  • Empowering hill communities via U-Mangra
  • African Swine Fever
  • Free Training on Mushroom at Nagamapal
  • Harshit Dhingaun recieves award from Korea
  • Look for ways to restore normalcy
  • The danger of last kicks of a dying horse
  • Preserving Thang-Ta traditions
  • Resolving ST issue by democratic process
  • Top 5 songs to awaken your inner patriot
  • Project Assistant @ Manipur University
  • Leishemba Sanajaoba conferred Doctorate
  • Double tragedy: No time for red-tapism
  • A Youtuber called Dhruv
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • Challenges in Healthcare in rural Manipur
  • A salute to leadership quality of PM Modi
  • Career in press for freedom of expression
  • One day after devastating hailstorm
  • Understanding the suffering of others
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #1
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #3
  • Election gossip & rumours
  • 'Melodic Minds' Tour in Guwahati
  • Leaving a trail of destruction
  • Political see-saw
  • A brand-new Scientific discovery
  • In memoriam of the happiness we shared !
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #5
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sekmaijin
  • Oh Motherland :: Poem
  • Animal life should be treated with dignity
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Renaissance of politics in our youth
  • TB & tobacco co-epidemics in Indonesia
  • The Power of Poppy - 29 :: Poem
  • Advanced Charging Infrastructure in NE
  • Lessons learnt in the last one year
  • True colour of politics
  • World Heritage Day @ MU : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakwa
  • Joint Combing Operations in Jiribam
  • Reboot PSUs for jobs: Task for new Govt
  • Ayurvedic remedies to keep healthy eyes
  • May 3, 2023 to May 3, 2024
  • One year of crisis, and what next ?
  • Scientist of Manipur: Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
  • Whither social justice & work for women?
  • Taiwan to enhancing economic ties with India
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Privilege trap of While Male Meitei
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #4
  • 'Chizami Model' working in Gujarat ?
  • Racing towards the one year mark
  • On misattribution & falsifying history
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #15 :: Book
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD