'ST demand crucial for indigenes'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 15 2021:
While making it clear that the demand for the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list is the most crucial issue for indigenes of the state; Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has observed that political parties seem to look at the issue through the lens of electoral politics, weighing whether they would gain votes or not, like any other common issues.
In a release, STDCM publicity secretary W Ananda Meetei informed that the committee convened an interaction programme with the political parties operating in the state on the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list at the conference hall of State Guest House, Sanjenthong here on October 13.The interaction programme presided over by STDCM vice president Lt Col I Lokendra Singh was attended by chief patron Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba and advisor H Jayentkumar as the presidium members in the presence of representatives of political parties including INC, NPP, RPI (Athawale) and United Front Manipur, which a conglomerate of 12 parties.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest national parties in the country, BJP which is in power both at the centre and in the state failed to attend the interaction programme despite sending invitation in time, Ananda lamented.
Delivering the key note address, STDCM general secretary K Bhogendrajit highlighted the relation between ST and indigenes in the context of Indian constitution, how Meetei/Meitei was not included in the ST list and the changing demography.
Looking at the ground realities there is strong possibility that Meetei/Meitei will surely become extinct if they are not included in the ST list, Bhogendrajit said.
On the other hand, big political parties like INC took the middle ground like before and were non-committal on the issue, while the small parties expressed full support to the demand during the interaction programme, he added.
Meanwhile, publicity secretary, Ananda contended that as election is not issue based in the state giving votes based on burning issues will produce better representatives.
He also reiterated that the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list is the most crucial issue.