Striking off AKT from ST list : KSO calls 48 hours total shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, March 23 2021: Peeved with the Government's alleged 'wanton decision' to delete Any Kuki Tribe (ATK) from the recognized Scheduled Tribes list in its Cabinet meeting on October 19, 2018 and failure to retract its decision despite sincere appeals to halt further process, the Kuki Students' Organization general headquarters has decided to impose two days total shutdown in the State mainly in all Kuki dominated areas from March 26.The KSO's decision to impose the total shutdown was taken in its emergency meeting today with its branches and units at Imphal and it was subsequently announced in a press conference after the meeting.

Earlier, the student body had appealed the State Government through its joint representation submitted to the Chief Minister to retract its October 19, 2018 Cabinet decision to delete Any Kuki Tribe from the recognized Scheduled Tribes list and halt further process for the deletion as such wanton and unwarranted decision is bound to meet severe opposition for the fact that it would deprive thousands of people of their status as a recognized Scheduled Tribe under the Constitution of India.

It also appealed the Government to leave Any Kuki Tribe 'undisturbed' and leave it 'as it is' which is still a recognized tribe under the Constitution of India while alleging that the State Government had already acted as if the recognized Any Kuki Tribe is no longer in existence in the State of Manipur.

It had also alleged that the State Government's determination to delete Any Kuki Tribe from the recognized tribes of the State is apparent from the fact that it already denied or excluded it [Any Kuki Tribe] to receive financial help from the State for the establishment of tribe-wise tribal museums.

Paotinthang Lupheng, president KSO general headquarters while addressing media persons at Kuki Inn, Imphal said that the Cabinet decision of October 19, 2018 is strongly condemnable as it adversely affects the status and identity of people under Any Kuki Tribes and it is against the Constitution which guarantees people belonging to Any Kuki Tribes, their status as a Scheduled Tribe in the State.

He continued that in spite of the appeal made by KSO to retract its decision, the State Government hitherto failed to respond favorably.

Today, it is Any Kuki Tribes that the Government wants to delete and tomorrow it could be Simte, Zou, Thadou and other Kuki tribes, asserted the KSO president while reiterating its stand that the Kuki Students' Organization has resolved to oppose any decision of the Government that threatens the status of its people whether it be Any Kuki Tribes or any other Kuki tribes recognized under the Constitution of India.

He also said that the State Government must uphold and respect an Act of Constitution and allow the Any Kuki Tribes to retain its status as recognized under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002 (No.10 of 2003) Part X while adding that the State Government would be committing a big blunder if it meddles with the status of the 32 sub tribes who subscribe to Any Kuki Tribes in the State.

The student body with an aim to draw the attention of the Government and listen to its grievances and also to demonstrate its opposition to the Government decision, decided to impose the total shutdown from midnight of March 25 till midnight of March 27 .

The student body also appealed the people of Manipur to support and help them avoid any untoward incident during the total shutdown through cooperation and restraining from violation of the total shutdown.

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