In a significant development, the World Meetei Council (WMC) Manipur Unit has issued a compelling appeal to the Government, urging a thorough discussion on the demand for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list. The plea comes as the State Assembly session, scheduled to commence tomorrow, holds the promise of addressing this crucial issue.
Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, President of WMC Manipur Unit, Urikhinbam Kunjo, underscored the importance of obtaining Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meetei/Meitei community, emphasizing that it would provide essential Constitutional protection.
Kunjo called upon all legislators to throw their weight behind this demand and appealed to the State Government to expedite the process by submitting comprehensive ethnographic and socio-economic survey reports of the community to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the Centre for thorough consideration.
Beyond the ST status plea, Kunjo pressed for immediate actions by the State Government, including the critical task of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC), fortifying the Inner Line Permit System, and securing the porous border with Myanmar to stem illegal immigration.
Drawing attention to the alarming issue of illegal immigrants from Myanmar not only settling in Manipur but also obtaining citizenship and benefits reserved for Scheduled Tribes, Kunjo expressed deep concerns about their infiltration into the State’s administrative services. He identified this influx of illegal immigrants as a primary contributor to the ongoing conflict.
In a united call for support, Kunjo urged the populace to rally behind the demands raised by various groups, including STDCM, WMC, Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union, Kangleipak Kanba Lup, and similar organizations. Stressing the urgency of granting ST status to the Meetei/Meitei community before the commencement of the delimitation process, Kunjo passionately appealed to all Members of the Assembly to actively champion the cause during the upcoming session. The outcome of these discussions holds the potential to reshape the future standing of the Meetei/Meitei community within the constitutional framework.
