MMTU petitions RaGa on ST demand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 09 2024: While appreciating Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for visiting Manipur, Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU) submitted a memorandum seeking the latter's intervention for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list of the Indian Constitution.

In a release, MMTU secretary Mutum Churamani said the memorandum highlighted demographic and socio-economic challenges being faced by Meetei/Meitei populace and referred to census reports showing population of Meetei/Meitei in Manipur declining from 59.16 per cent in 18 81 to 43.82 per cent in 2011 .

Moreover, in the unscheduled 10 per cent of the foothill areas of Manipur, Meetei/Meitei are dwelling with other communities irrespective of region, caste, creed, religion, etc.

As such, Meetei/Meitei community's land, population, language, culture, identity, history, polity and administration are exposed without any constitutional safeguard, the secretary said, adding th at absence of constitutional safeguards has left Meetei community vulnerable.

Stating that Meeteis have all the criteria needed for inclusion in the ST list under Article 342 (1) of Indian Constitution, he urged Rahul Gandhi and all concerned to support their demand and expedite the pending process for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei tribe in the ST list.

Recalling that memorandum submitted to Inner and Outer Manipur Parliamentary seat MPs on issues raised by the union, Churamani disclosed Inner MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam endorsing the demand and assuring to do the needful.

With worsening situation of Meetei community, failure to provide constitutional safeguard will not only be a loss for Manipur but also have far-reaching consequences for the entire country, he added.

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