STDCM sees red over admission of CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 10 2021:
The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has come out strongly against the admission of the Chief Minister that the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for Meeteis/Meiteis is yet to be sent to the Central Government.
In a statement issued by its publicity secretary, W Ananda Meetei, STDCM said the response of the Chief Minister to a star question raised by MLA Meghachandra on ST status demand for Meeteis/Meiteis is unfortunate.
Notably during the Budget Session today, Opposition MLA K Meghachandra had asked if the State Government has taken up any steps for sending recommendations to the Centre regarding the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meeteis/Meiteis.
Replying to the question, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said that the Government has not yet taken up any steps regarding the issue and asked for more time, said STDCM.
Denouncing the Chief Minister's response, STDCM said the committee has been demanding ST status for Meeteis/Meiteis since 2012 .
The committee along with the people has been pushing the demand holding mega rallies peacefully.
On March 3, 2019, thousands of people had marched on the streets demanding ST status.
The next day (March 4, 2019) on the Assembly floor, MLA K Meghachandra had raised a question regarding the demand of the people.
Responding to the query, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said that he "personally agrees with the demand" and assured to take up efforts to realise the demand.
Now after a lapse of two years since he made the promise, the Chief Minister has said that the Government has not yet taken up any initiative regarding the demand.
This is unfortunate and the STDCM takes this seriously.
The Constitutional rights of the Meeteis/Meiteis have been disregarded, said the committee.
STDCM further asserted that the Chief Minister asking for more time without mentioning a specific time frame and proposing to rope in an "experts team to examine" is a tactic to delay and avoid the issue and the demand.
Concluding that the Government isn't paying much attention as the ST status demand movement has been peaceful, STDCM questioned if even legitimate demand of the people needs stringent agitations to reach the ears of the Government.
Meeteis/Meiteis were left out when other communities of the State were included in the ST list.
Apart from Meiteis/Meeteis, other communities who are included in the ST list are enjoying the protections provided by the Constitution.
The STDCM's demand is simple.
"We are asking the Government to include the Meeteis/Meiteis, who were left out, in the ST list" .
Recognising the Meeteis/Meiteis as ST would also strengthen State's unity.
Including the Meeteis/Meiteis in the ST list would not harm interests of other ST communities.
One should not spread propaganda and present the demand in the wrong light, it said.
Further, opposition from some quarters should not deter the Government from taking initiative to realise the legitimate demand of the people, said STDCM asking the State to send the recommendation required to include Meeteis/Meiteis in the ST list at the same time when six communities in Assam are getting the ST tag.
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