STDCM demand justified: Bimol
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 12 2024:
Stating that the demand made by the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) List is justified, Congress candidate for Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, Dr Bimol Akoijam has assured to contribute his mite to fulfil the demand.
On Friday, representatives of STDCM met Dr Bimol at his Keishamthong residence as part of the formers' campaign to understand the stand of contesting candidates with regard to the ST Demand.
During the meeting, Dr Bimol observed that the Meetei community must be the only Mongoloid community in India which does not have an ST status.
The Meetei seems to be sidelined, making the people feel unsupported.
While the ST demand is justified, it is unfortunate to have some politicise the matter.
He then assured of trying his level best to see to the fulfilment of the demand regardless of whether he wins or loses the election, adding that he is contesting the election out of love for Manipur and presenting different perspectives of the Meetei community, which includes inclusion in the ST List.
Dr Bimol then stressed the heed for dialogue with other communities opposing the Inclusion of Meetei-Meitei in the ST List.
He emphasised the need to aware the communities of the present state of Meetei community.
In ST, there is a backward and advance tribe categories, the provisions of which needs to be informed to the other communities.
Being a majority community, the Meeteis need to take up the responsibility, he said, while adding that the ruling government should also take up some requisite steps such as holding dialogue with stakeholders and leaders and steps meant for the long term instead of engaging in narrow-minded politics.