Campaign calls for deportation, ST status
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10 2025: A massive campaign calling for deportation of illegal immigrants and recognition of the Meetei/Meitei tribe as Scheduled Tribe has been launched today.

The campaign named "Deport illegal immigrants before census and restore Meetei/Meitei in Scheduled Tribe List" was launched at premises of the United Friends and Library Club at Lamboikhongnangkhong.

It was launched jointly by the Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union, Arambai Tenggol, Village Volunteer Force and Universal Friendship Organisation.

Social worker Koingam-ba Khuman, Village Volunteer Force general secretary (administration) Meiraba Angomcha, Uripok Apunba Lup president retired Col S Tikendrajit and MMTU secretary (Admn) Mutum Churamani and MMTU president Salam Gourakishor were present at the launch of the campaign.

Speaking at the launch programme, MMTU secretary, Mutum Churamani said the indigenous communities in Manipur are facing threats in all spheres from the illegal immigrants.

There have been huge influxes of illegal immigrants into Manipur, and these immigrants have been included in the census of 2001 and 2011, he said.

To save Manipur and the indigenous communities, detection and deportation of the illegal immigrants is a must, he added.

Further, it is the legitimate right of the indigenous Meetei/Meitei community to demand Scheduled tribe status, he said.

Recognising the Meetei/Meetei as a Scheduled Tribe will not only protect the indigenous community, but it will also help unite all the indigenous peoples in the North East, he asserted.

He appealed to the Governor and the Chief Secretary to take up necessary steps to recognise the Meetei/Meitei tribe as a Scheduled Tribe.

Commenting on the campaign, Koingamba said census in Manipur must be conducted only after detection and deportation of all illegal immigrants.

Retired Col S Tikendrajit also emphasised the same and asserted that the deportation of illegal immigrants is a necessary step to safeguard the indigenous people of the State.

He also called on the Government to recognise Meetei/Meitei as a Scheduled Tribe.

Comment