AIMS backs ST status demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 08 2016: Backing the demand that the Meeteis be included in the list of Scheduled Tribe, the Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) has today announced that it is ready to take part in the mass rally planned by the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) .

In a statement, AIMS said that the ST demand raised by the STDCM is not a recent demand and added that it is unfortunate two diametrically opposing view points have emerged over the issue.

This cannot be good for the land and the people.

AIMS said that it would be wrong to assume that since the Meeteis are settled in the valley they should be included in the General list.

Likewise it would be wrong to say that people from the hills should be included in the ST list, just because they dwell in the hills.

Setting the record straight, AIMS said that there are many communities in India which have been included in the ST list though they may be plain dwellers.

ST status is not decided by where one lives, food habit or looks, said the statement.

Today, Meeteis are still ridiculed and looked down in the capital city of India and other places, said AIMS and added that the status of the Meeteis too is way below when compared with the others in the General list.

No one should forget that it would be impossible for the Meeteis to race with the other communities in the General list, said AIMS.

Competition can be possible only when the people are placed at a level playing field, it added.

If set off again the much developed community, then it is natural that the Meeteis would be gobbled up.

Moreover, it would be beneficial to all to study which State in the North East is not a tribal State.

The statement further said that getting ST status does not automatically mean that the Meeteis will go and settle in the hills.

Let the hill people stay in the hills without disturbance, said the statement.

AIMS further said that though the Meeteis are included in the General list, they too have to bear the brunt of racial discrimination once they step outside Manipur.

To counter such a trend it would be better for the Meeteis to be included in the ST list.

There is no harm in setting aside a 'special provision' for the hill people said AIMS and added that it would be wrong to assume that the Meeteis would grab all the opportunities from the hill people if they (Meeteis) are granted ST status.

In reality the hill people who really need the benefits of being included in the ST list, are still left behind, said AIMS and added that even today, the real benefits are being reaped by a handful of hill people.

This is one reason why many hill people are under the impression that they have not been given their dues.

If anyone is under the impression that the Meeteis will take away all the benefits if they are included in the ST list, then it is time for all to work together and see whether the benefits actually reach them or not now.

This will go some way in bringing the people closer together.

The only way for the Meeteis to compete with the others is to be included in the ST list, said AIMS and added that if one goes into a duel then one should be fitfully armed and prepared.

Expressing regret over the difference of opinion on the demand that the Meeteis be included in the ST list, the statement urged all to extend their support to the ST demand just like the support extended to the ILP demand and the demand for pre-merger political status.

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