WMC seeks date with PM, urges for saving Meeteis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 12 2023:
World Meetei Council has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi so that indigenous Meetei (Manipuri) community may be saved as their fate hangs in the balance.
In a letter addressed to PM Modi, WMC chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam stated that the condition has been aggravated by the factors of globalisation - coming of railways, Asian highway and airways that will cause a fundamental change in demography especially by the influx of migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
It may be mentioned that 95 per cent of economy of Manipur belong to the business community.
On the other hand, Meetei economy is a tribal or maybe subsistence economy based on nature and natural resources.
However, those in power exploit the funds allotted by the centre.
This is the reality, it added.
WMC also pointed out that another unique feature of Manipur is that the aborigine Meetei people are restricted by the law to live only in 10 per cent of the area of Manipur since they are not included in the Scheduled Tribes list.
Are there any other states in India where the aborigines are not allowed to live as rightful citizens in its own state except in Manipur? it posed.
WMC also mentioned that in the absence of the constitutional protection given to the aborigines as envisaged by Dr BR Ambedkar, the Meetei (Manipuri) who are Krishna devotees will surely perish in a generation's time because they are not conversant with the modern way of life since their tribal values of life know only to enjoy the festivals happening throughout the seasons.
Coupled with the inefficient leadership that represents the Meetei people, today the Meeteis are a sinking group of people presently confined to.
about 5 per cent of the total area of Manipur from being the earlier rulers, it noted.
WMC continued that considering this it has been approaching the centre to apprise about the reality of Meetei people's life and had tried to meet the Union home minister in December 2021, but could not meet him.
However, it was able to meet with one of the top leaders of the Sangh Parivar, VHP international president Alok Kumar, "who conveyed to us that they were well aware of the unenviable position of the Meeteis.
He added that they were "examining the land laws of some states....
to bring in to Manipur to protect the Meeteis." He has also assured of speaking with Union home minister regarding the matter, it stated.
WMC further said that it would be obliged if the PM grants an appointment for a short meeting so that it can explain the matter in detail.