Committee asks ANSAM to withdraw anti-Meetei stand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 20 2024: No Schedule Tribe, No Vote Committee has asserted that Thoubal and Kakching voters eligible to cast votes in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency will not exercise their democratic rights in the upcoming Lok Sabha election until All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) withdraws its memorandum submitted to the Governor opposing the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in ST list.

Speaking to media persons, Committee spokesman Puyam Ranachandra pointed out that it is the right of Meetei/Meitei to demand inclusion in ST list which Nagas should not object.

Stating that the Meetei, which is an indigenous community of Manipur, has been demanding to the government for providing constitutional safeguard for the last 13 years, he maintained that the demand is not aimed at curtailing rights and interest of any other community other than seeking constitutional shield for the Meetei/ Meitei.

However, it is unfortunate that Nagas, who share fraternal bonds and are indigenous community, raised objection to the demand of Meetei/Meitei for inclusion in ST list.

Such objection is irrational, Ranachandra continued.

Urging to withdraw the memorandum submitted by ANSAM representing Nagas to the Governor against the demand of Meetei/Meitei to include in ST list before the election, he asserted that 2.5 lakhs valley voters of outer Manipur parliamentary constituency will not take part in the election.

Moreover, election related activities such as election campaign will not be allowed in valley areas, he declared.

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