WMC carries out slogan campaign on ST demand
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 27 2024:
World Meetei Council on Saturday organised a slogan campaign in continuation of its demand for inclusion of Meetei in the ST list of the Indian Constitution, at Manipur College campus, Singjamei.
A release issued by WMC CEC general secretary Yambem Arun Meetei informed that the campaign was organised with the support of Women's Front WMC Manipur Unit president Urikkhimbam Matouleibi, Youth's Front WMC Manipur Unit Arambam Sajan, WMC Manipur Unit info and publicity secretary Thingbaijam Sushila along with Peace and Relief Committee Manipur College, Singjamei.
The release recalled that in 1956, the then MP R Suisa had urged the then Meetei leaders for inclusion of Meetei in the ST list to facilitate an equal ground for the people of hills and valley, but his efforts were rejected by the Meetei leaders.
And in 1981, when the matter was brought up in the assembly by the then CM Rishang Keishing, the Meetei MLAs showed no support.
And recently, Naga social and political leader and INC candidate in the recent LS Election Alfred Kanngam S Arthur had also stated that the Meetei have every right to demand for their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution and it would be wrong for other communities to question their move, the release pointed out.
In the light of these events, World Meetei Council asserted that that the CM's statement that the submission of reports for the inclusion of Meetei in the ST list will be received negatively by the Naga brethren is evidently false.
It appealed to the CM to do the needful and submit the necessary report.
Otherwise, the Meetei community will be in a dire situation if it is not included in the ST list when delimitation is done in 2026, the Council cautioned The slogans shouted during the campaign included 'Only inclusion in ST list can save Meetei' and 'Submit the two
necessary reports promptly' .