MMTU reminds Govt on ST demand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 18 2025: Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MTU) has appealed to the government, now under the President's Rule, to send requisite recommendations to the central government for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in Scheduled Tribes list at the earliest.

In a release, MMTU organisation secretary Takhellambam Parijat Singh appealed the Governor-in-council to adopt a resolution at the earliest over its demand.

Article 159 of the constitution mentions that the Governor is the highest authority of a state to protect constitution, he explained, adding that the most important role of the government is to safeguard political, socio-economy and culture of the indigenous Meetei community which is now in vulnerable state.

The Union highlighted that the Meetei community is being gradually marginalised since Manipur's merger with India in 1949 with the people treated as second class citizens.

He highlighted the need for protecting the Meetei by enlisting the community in the ST category.

The union has attempted to meet the Governor three times since February 13 to discuss about sending necessary recommendations for inclusion of Meetei in ST list.

However, the Governor has yet to approve the meeting, Parijat deplored, wondering whether the Governor mistakenly believes that the ongoing conflict between Meetei and Kuki is due to Meetei's proposal for inclusion in the ST list.

While the Union Home Minister and former Chief Minister made comments that appeared to link the conflict with Meetei's demand for ST status, he clarified that committees formed by the central government to investigate the matter, along with people around the world, clearly understand the true origins of the conflict.

Claiming that no indigenous communities are opposing the inclusion of Meetei in the ST list, he reminded that the movement for inclusion of Meetei in ST list began in 1969 and has now spanned over 50 years.

Massive rallies, attended by lakhs of people, were held in 2016 and 2022.Additionally, a mass missed call campaign, supported by 9 lakh people, was conducted as a referendum of the people.

As such, the voice of the people should be acknowledged and respected by both the state and central governments, he maintained.

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