MMTU sounds Rahul Gandhi on ST demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 09 2024:
The Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union submitted a memorandum on Manipur issues to Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the State on July 8 .
In a statement issued today, MMTU said the memorandum highlighted the issues facing the Meiteis and demanded inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list.
It said the memorandum stressed that the Meetei/Meitei population is only 0.3 percent of India's population, and is declining.
According to the 1881 census, Meiteis' population was 59.16 percent of the State's total population.
As per the 2011 census, the population has been reduced to 43.82 pc.
And this 43.82 percent of the population has been restricted to settle in just 10 percent of Manipur's total geographical area, said the MMTU in the memorandum.
The Meetei/Meitei community needs Constitutional protection.
It meets all the criteria to be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe, said the MMTU seeking Rahul Gandhi's support.