WMC decries CM linking ST demand to conflict
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 01 2024: Reacting to the statement of chief minister N Biren during question hour of the ongoing assembly session relating the on-going conflict situation in the state with the Meetei community's demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, World Meetei Council (WMC) questioned whether the CM was hinting that inclusion of Meeteis in the ST list would disintegrate Manipur.

In a release, WMC Central Executive Committee secretary general Yambem Arun pointed out that the offensive launched by armed Chin-Kuki is in pursuance of their objective for establishing 'ZALE'N-GAM' and to dilute the chief minister's war against drugs declaration and concerted efforts to prevent encroachment in reserved forest areas.

At a time when WMC is striving for inclusion of Meetei in the ST list along with people so as to ensure constitutional safeguard for the community within 2025, the CM's attempt to divert the issue and apparent observation that Meeteis' inclusion in the ST list will disintegrate Manipur is not only unfortunate .but will never be accepted, he said.

Referring to the recent statement of MP Alfred Kann-gam Arthur in the parliament that Meetei need not take permission from anyone for their survival, Arun demanded the chief minister to expedite official process for sending the relevant reports for inclusion of Meetei in the ST list to the centre without further delay.

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