STDCM pushes for ST status demand, submits memorandum to Wangoi MLA Kh. Loken

MLA Loken observed that including Meiteis on the Scheduled Tribe List will allow for equal development for people living in both the hills and the plains

The Manipur Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (STDCM) continues to march to ministers’ and legislators’ residences to press for the Meiteis’ Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Members of the STDCM flocked to Wangoi MLA Kh. Loken’s residence today to submit a memorandum in line with their adopted resolution.

Significantly, MLA Loken observed that including Meiteis on the Scheduled Tribe List will allow for equal development for people living in both the hills and the plains.

He added that separate policies affects equal development.

Notably, MLA Loken stated that the ST Status demand is crucial for a united Manipur and that it should be met before rail connectivity reaches Imphal in order to secure constitutional safeguards for the indigenous Meitei Community.

It may be mentioned that the STDCM has been visiting residences of ministers time and again, and sumbitting memorandums to pressurise the government in granting their demand to include the meiteis in the ST list of India.

Meanwhile, ATSUM is vehemently opposing STDCM’s demand of granting ST status to the Meiteis.

Earlier on November, continuing their opposition to the STDCM’s demand, the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) on November, 2022 submitted memorandums at the offices of Manipur Industries minister Nemcha Kipgen and Manipur Tribal Affairs minister Letpao Haokip.

In the memorandums, the ATSUM leaders urged the ministers not to support the STDCM’s demand or recommend any resolution backing the STDCM’s demand and requested them to stand for tribal integrity.

The ATSUM leadership had also met central leaders including Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju and Chairperson National Commission for Schedule Tribe Harsh Chouhan to apprise them of their opposition to the demand.

ATSUM said that the demand is illogical and illegitimate and will create further division in the society.

They had also conveyed to the Central Ministers that there is a fear among the Manipuris now because of the demand.

Also Read: ST Status to Meiteis: ATSUM Meets Union Tribal Affairs Min Against STDCM Demand

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