Accepting the memorandum submitted by the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM), MLA Irengbam Nalini Devi of Oinam Constituency has assured to support the demand of the STDCM if it is produced and discussed in the coming Manipur Legislative Assembly session.
As a part of their ongoing movement to enlist Meetei/Meitei in Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, STDCM submitted a memorandum to MLA Irengbam Nalini Devi at her residence on Monday.
After accepting the memorandum, she said that the demand by STDCM is legitimate and genuine. Inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in ST list not only protects Meetei/Meitei from extinction but will also promote a sense of oneness among various ethnic communities of the state, she said.
The ST demand for Meitei/Meitei is already raised and discussed on floor of Manipur Legislative Assembly, she said and assured of her support if it is produced and discussed again in the coming assembly.
She recalled that in ancient times, Meetei/Meitei settled in hill areas with other communities as their own brother and sister. The given fact is proven by the Lai Haraoba festival, Meera Houchingba and even by the marriage ceremony of Meetei or Meitei, she said.
Intrusion of new religion has divided Meitei/Meetei from other ethnic communities and it is high time to trace back all such strong bonding, she added.
She also said that as Meitei/Meetei has their own rich cultural heritage through which the state can glorify at national and international level, they have the right to access constitutional safeguard to preserve and protect its own culture and tradition.
Related:
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ST Demand: ATSUM apprises National Commission for Scheduled Tribe
