ATSUM Meets Union Min Kiren Rijiu Against STDCM’s Demand for ST Status

ASTUM apprised Minister Rijiju about the threat that the demand for the Meitei community's inclusion in ST category poses to the tribal people of Manipur

The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) today called on Union Cabinet Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju and apprised him about the threat and insecurity the tribal people of Manipur would face if the Meitei community are given ST status.

They briefed Union Minister Kiren Rijiju of the threat and insecurity felt by the tribal people of Manipur due to the STDCM persistent’s demand for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes in India and submitted a memorandum.

“The meeting was positive,” ATSUM said in a statement released after the meeting.

The ATSUM delegation had called on Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda in New Delhi yesterday and had shared their concerns with the Union Minister regarding STDCM’s demand for ST status for the Meitei community.

Union Minister Munda had assured the ATSUM that the matter would be looked into with all seriousness and tackled in the appropriate manner as it involves constitutional issues.

It may be mentioned that the clamour for ST status to Meiteis is getting louder with every passing day.

In support of their demand that the Meiteis be granted ST status, STDCM have been staging protests for a long time now.

On October 13, the STDCM had adopted six resolutions in the public convention to press for their demand.

Handing over memorandums to peoples representatives including Union Ministers, MPs and MLAs was one of the six resolutions adopted by STDCM.

Other resolutions included continuation of sit-in protests, launching rallies, announcing shutdowns and general strikes.

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

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