ATSUM holds Tribal Consultative meeting; reiterates stiff opposition to demand for ST status to Meiteis and Meitei Pangals

The All Tribal Students Union of Manipur today reiterated that it continues to be firm against granting of ST status to the Meiteis and Meitei Pangals.

A Tribal Consultative Meeting was held today to discuss the issue and deliberate on the future course of action. In the meeting attended by tribal leaders, representatives of apex tribal bodies, women and student leaders, 2 resolutions were adopted-
The meeting unanimously reiterated and reaffirmed to oppose the demand of Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities for inclusion in the ST list.

The meeting also endorsed the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to continue lobbying the matter and chalk out an action plan to consolidate the opposition.

This was informed to Northeast Live by ATSUM general secretary SR Andria. When sought his response on whether there could be talks between those demanding for ST status and the ATSUM as well as other groups opposing it, Andria said,”Definitely talks can be held. There is no problem.”

He further said,”The approach of the ATSUM and the tribal community is congenial. Definitely we would like to have a talk, no problem, but it has to be reasonable, respecting one another’s aspirations as well as rights.”

The ATSUM general secretary also commented on whether the government should take an initiative in this regard. According to SR Andria,”May be the government can also initiate it but the government must also be in a position to take the right decision- not to influence someone or otherwise reject someone.”
Andria added,”We hope that the government will definitely take a step or a decision on what is given in the Constitution, on the reality, the facts and circumstances. But not the pressure of any section.”

Reiterating as to why the ATSUM is against the demand for ST status to Meiteis and Meitei Pangals, SR Andria said,”We feel that this demand is creating insecurity to the hill people. Therefore, if this demand continues, this may not bring a congenious kind of a situation in the state. This is why it (ST status) should not be granted. It will have an impact on the emotional unity of the state.”

Worth mentioning that ATSUM is vehemently opposing STDCM’s demand of granting ST status to the Meiteis saying that the demand is illogical and illegitimate and will create further division in the society.