STDCM launches 'Meet the candidates' campaign
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 07 2024:
It is the birthright of the Mee-tei people to be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST), said Independent MP candidate in Inner Parliamentary seat, retired Colonel Haorungbam Sarat.
The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Ma-nipur (STDCM) has started a campaign to meet the candidates of the Lok Sabha election and elicit their views on the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status being demanded by the Meetei.
Sarat is the first MP candidate to be called on by STDCM in its campaign which seeks to meet the five other candidates too.
Talking with the STDCM representatives led by its president Dhiraj Yumnam, the retired Army officer said that he would do whatever he can for the Meetei to get ST status if he is elected.
On being asked about his view on the movement of STDCM and others seeking addition of Meetei in the ST list, the Independent candidate simply said that it is the birthright of the Meetei to be a Scheduled Tribe.
It is unfortunate that Meetei people are still not getting the ST status, he said and added that Meeteis are among the most talented group of people in North East India and the ethnic group could have been in a much better position had they been given the ST status.
Reiterating that he will do whatever it takes to ensure the addition of Meetei in the ST list, the Independent candidate added that it would be fortunate if the future Meetei people are born as ST.
He also said that the addition of Meetei in the ST list is indispensable to protect the Meetei people and the Manipur society at large.
STDCM president Dhiraj Yumnam, on the other hand, said that they will meet other candidates of the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency too and seek their views on the Meitei's demand for ST status.