WMC reiterates ST for Meiteis demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 27 2024:
Carrying forward its demand to include Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list of the Constitution before the proposed delimitation in 2026, the World Meetei Council staged a protest at Nambol Bazar along with womenfolk of Nambol, Konthoujam, Leimaram, Kangmong and Heinoubok Waroiching today.
WMC State president U Kunjo Singh, women front president Matouleibi, youth wing president Arambam Sajan, joint secretary Elangbam Brojenkumar, women front general secretary S Sylvia, publicity secretary Thingbaijam Sushila, executive member Ahongshangbam Dhiren and advisor Leishangthem Dijen attended the protest demonstration among others.
As per a statement signed by its secretary general (CEC) Yambem Arun Meetei, the protesters raised slogans to send the two reports to enlist Meetei/Meitei in the ST list by August and grant ST status to the ethnic group before the 2026 delimitation.
The protesters also shouted slogans saying "Delaying ST is denying ST" and "Save our future" to express their discontentment against the successive Governments for not sending the two reports.
Meanwhile, the WMC asked who are the people that delude Chief Minister N Biren Singh that enlistment of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list will lead to fragmentation of Manipur.
Saying that majority of Meetei people including those staying abroad endorse the demand to add Meetei/Meitei in the ST list of the Constitution and the same can be seen from the overwhelming response given to the recent mass missed call campaign , the Council cautioned that the future of Meetei/Meitei will become more uncertain if they are not given the ST tag before the proposed delimitation in 2026 .
It seems like the MLAs and Ministers of the ruling party are unable to raise the matter to the Chief Minister let alone convince him, it said.
What is more unfortunate is the Chief Minister, fearing objections by Naga people to the popular demand of Meetei/Meitei, the WMC said and continued that whatever misunderstanding with a section of Naga people over the matter can be sorted out through discussion.
Unfortunately, the Chief Minister is giving undue attention to the objection by Kuki people too against the ST status demand of Meetei/Meitei, the WMC added.
Saying that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Meetei/Meitei is just 1.77 when TFR required to sustain a population is 2.22, the WMC maintained that Meetei/Meitei is at the forefront of the communities which are witnessing a population decline.
Meetei/Meitei has become an 'endangered tribe' and it is certain for the ethnic group to disappear if they are not given the Constitutional safeguard in the form of ST soon, the Council added.
The WMC went on to state that they condemn former Chief Minister O Ibobi and the incumbent N Biren for not taking the issue which will decide the fate of Meetei/Meitei seriously.
Reiterating that the two reports (socio-economic and ethnography of Meetei/Meitei) should be sent to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs by August, the Council cautioned that they will launch an agitation to replace the Chief Minister if their demand is not entertained.
Saying the WMC supports the rally of COCOMI scheduled on June 28 to protect Manipur, the Council said that they will also intensify their movement to ensure Meetei/Meitei gets the ST status as the future of the ethnic group needs to be secured.