STDCM’s demand will divide Hill & Valley, says ATSUM

All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) has apprised the representatives and leaders in the state government that they should not recommend the demand of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) to the Centre.

Speaking to Northeast Live, ATSUM President Paotinthang in support of his demand said,”The government should not recommend something which is illogical and illegitimate in the eyes of Justice.”

Not only this, the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) also appealed the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) to refrain from demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. ATSUM president Paotinthang feels that the STDCM’s demand has all the potential to further divide the Hill and the Valley people which is not in the best interest of the state.

The ATSUM leader informed that memorandums have been submitted to the people’s representatives which include the Ministers, MLAs and the MPs as well.

Paotinthang elaborated on this and stated that the in the memorandums, the ATSUM has clearly mentioned the valid points as to why STDCM’s demand must not be considered.

Besides, the ATSUM president said that the Hills Area Committee (HAC) will have a meeting on Wednesday, to deliberate on the issue. In this regard, Paotinthang said the ATSUM hopes that the Hill Area Committee (HAC) will come up with a prudent decision which will support the rights and interests of the tribal people in the state.

It may be mentioned that the ATSUM’s decision to move the state government on this issue comes after the STDCM submitted memorandums in support of its demands to the ministers and other public representatives from the Meitei community.

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