MLA responds positively to STDCM's stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18 2022: The number of legislators who have openly endorsed the STDCM's ST status demand for Meitei/Meetei has exponentially increased over the last few weeks with Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti being the latest member to join hands with the committee.

This shot in the arm of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) came when members of the committee met the MLA at his home at Moirang today to submit a memorandum on the ST status demand.

Notably, today was STDCM's 26th approach to Ministers and MLAs of the State.

The committee has been visiting legislators seeking their support and submitting memoranda on the ST demand.

MLA responds positively to STDCM's stand

"The demand to include Meitei/Meetei in the ST list of the Constitution is a right movement and a legitimate right of the indigenous community.

Giving the ST status to the community will also improve and strengthen the bond of love between the hills and the valley people," MLA Thongam Shanti told STDCM members.

The relationship between the people of the valley and the hills was weakened due to religious differences.

However, the demand for ST status has given an opportunity to renew and strengthen the relationship between the communities, he said.

"We should not lose this opportunity.

If we lose this opportunity it would be detrimental to the relationship and bond of love there is between the valley and the hills," Shanti said.

The MLA said he supports the demand and he will provide all assistance required of him.

Commenting on opposition to the ST demand from some sections, Shanti said the ST status demand for Meitei/Meetei is legitimate.

"We [Meitei/Meetei] were a tribe before and this is a demand for us to live as a tribe.

We were a tribe and we want to remain as tribal people.

I think no community should object to this," Shanti added.

He also expressed confidence that the Chief Minister as leader of the Government and the people, considering the future, would hear this plight of the people and take an important role.

"The Chief Minister understands the desire and wants of the people of both the hills and the valley.

We should have patience and see," Shanti said.

STDCM general secretary K Bhogendrajit and representatives of several organisations including Kege Moirang Kendra Apunba Lup (KEMKAL), Moirang Kendra Apunba Meira Paibi Ima Lup (MAMPIL) and Hung Sidaba Lainingkon Keirenphabi were present.

It may be noted that the STDCM has been demanding ST status for Meitei/Meetei to give the community Constitutional safeguard and save its culture and land.

It has been urging the State Government to send recommendations sought by the Centre in 2013 for consideration of its demand.