Ahead of the ensuing budget session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly scheduled to commence from July 25, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has reiterated its demand and drew attention of the government to take necessary steps for inclusion of Meetei-Meitei in Scheduled Tribes list at the earliest.
A press release issued by general secretary of the committee K Bhogendrajit stated that the committee has been pushing for the demand for almost 10 years now.
Following representation submitted by the committee, even to the Centre, way back in 2013, the STDCM had asked the state government to send recommendation with requisite documents to consider the demand made by the committee.
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However, the government has, so far, not sent the recommendation despite repeated appeals and series of protests, the release contended.
It further expressed concern that the indigenous Meetei-Meitei community, without any constitutional safeguard, has been pushed to becoming a minority in their own land.
Saying that the movement for granting ST status to Meetei-Meitei is gaining support and cooperation from various quarters, it said that the committee has been mobilising its volunteers at different levels.
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The release further appeal to clubs, CVOs, Meira Paibis and the people to extend their hand in the movement for protecting the identity of indigenous Meetei-Meitei community.
It also mounted pressure on the government to act according to the wishes of the people and send the recommendation with requisite documents without further delay.
