Call to increase Meetei population echoes on WPD
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, July 11 2025: While World Population Day is typically marked by warnings against unchecked population growth, an event held at Lamjao Mayai Leikai on Friday took a markedly different tone, advocating for an increase in the population of the Meetei community.

Organised by Lamjao Part-1 Development Association, the observance was presided over by its president A Amitabh, while lecturer Mayengbam Indubala of Langmeidong Higher Secondary School was the key speaker.

In a departure from the usual global narrative of curbing population expansion, Indubala highlighted a worrying decline in the Meetei population.

She pointed out that, unlike global or even national trends, the Meeteis face a demographic crisis that threatens their cultural survival.

"The observance of World Population Day may remind the world of overpopulation, but for the Meeteis, the real concern is under-population," she remarked.

Association president A Amitabh echoed the concern, stating that the Meetei population is disproportionately low compared to other communities in the state.

He stressed that without steps to reverse this trend, the community could face existential challenges in the years ahead.

He further reiterated the long-standing demand for inclusion of the Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list under the Constitution of India.

"Without constitutional protection, the Meeteis may not survive as a distinct people," he warned.

Comment