Careful while commenting against Meitei ST demand to avoid communal tension: STDCM
First Published: 27th April, 2023 20:41 IST
Pointing out that the Hill Areas Committee is not a normal organisation but a statutory body, he said that the HAC should be careful in commenting against the Court's order
By Donald Sairem
The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) has advised tribal bodies to be very careful in making comments against the ST demand by Meiteis as it will unnecessarily create conflict between different communities living together in Manipur.
Speaking to media today at the Manipur Press Club, STDCM President Dhiraj Yumnam accused tribal CSOs and bodies of making unnecessary and ill-advised comments against the demand, more so in the wake of the High Court of Manipur directing the state government to send a requisite recommendation for inclusion of Meitei community in ST list.
He said that it is not right to openly condemn the High Court of Manipur for its directive and in a way, they are punishable.
Pointing out that the Hill Areas Committee is not a normal organisation but a statutory body, he said that the HAC should be careful in commenting against the Court’s order.
“HAC or for that matter the tribal bodies such as ATSUM, United Naga Council, and Kuki Inpi Manipur are not the authority to decide whether Meiteis are eligible to be included in the ST list or not,” he said adding that such bodies obstructing the demand by Meiteis is unbecoming on their part and also show an “unbrotherly” attitude.
Further saying that the Meiteis have been sacrificing to a large extent, Dhiraj said that STDCM expects the tribal bodies to reciprocate.
Unlike the claims of the tribal bodies that Manipur’s emotional integrity will be affected if Meiteis get ST status, he maintained that there will be more emotional integrity when Meiteis are identified as ST as there will be homogeneity and all will be at the same footing.
Taking part in the press meet, Chief Patron of STDCM, Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba rubbished the idea of studying the standards of the Meitei community compared with other communities living in Manipur only.
He said that compared to mainland Indians, the standards of Meiteis are far below.
He also advised the HAC and other tribal bodies to study political science and Indian Constitution for an informed judgment of the affairs.
Also Read : Manipur: 4 ‘unhappy’ MLAs attend meet; CM N Biren says ’We all are together’
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP Pushes for Nathula Rail Link to Boost Connectivity and Security
08th February 2025
Live Tripura CM Manik saha Launches ‘Skill Uday Tongnai’ Programme
08th February 2025
Live Money Laundering Case: ED Attaches Rs. 32.57 Lakh in Assets of Sikkim Government Officer
08th February 2025
Live Weather update in NE, India and neighbourhood today
08th February 2025WE RECOMMEND

Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025 Begins with Grandeur, Showcasing 57 Films from 9 Countries
The festival aspires to establish EIIFF as a premier international film festival in the northeastern region.
07th February 2025
Manipur: Internally Displaced Person Shot by Unidentified Miscreants
The attack took place around 8:55 PM near Krypsa Ground, Langol Road, close to the Deputy Commissioner's office.
06th February 2025
Manipur Political Turmoil: CM Biren Singh Attends Maha Kumbh Amid Speculations of Leadership Change
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also departed for Bhubaneswar after meeting with a few legislators, including BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam.
06th February 2025
Y. Joykumar Singh Appointed Interim President of NPP Manipur
Additionally, Sheikh Noorul Hassan has been appointed as the Working President of NPP Manipur until further orders.
06th February 2025
Manipur: 2 Liquor Dealers Kidnapped in Churachandpur Rescued Safe
The victims-Lalboi and Chandan were rescued after a series of coordinated operations by Churachandpur Police and the 36 Assam Rifles.
05th February 2025