Manipur Minister Thongam Biswajit on Thursday said the demand made by the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribes list has been discussed with Central leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Saying that the leaders have neither rejected nor ignored the demand when apprised by a team led by Chief Minister N Biren, the minister for Power, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Agriculture, Science & Technology appealed to the STDCM to remain positive.
Biswajit stated the same after receiving memorandum submitted by STDCM at his quarter at Sanjenthong in Imphal. He said the matter was discussed in the cabinet after forming a cabinet committee led by former deputy CM. Besides, the matter has also been apprised to the prime minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well.
"However, since we have been recognised as unreserved or general category for a long time, they also expressed doubt whether the Meeteis are really tribals," he said, adding that negative implications towards other communities over granting ST status to Meeteis are unlikely.
Saying that even the inner line permit (ILP) was extended and implemented in the state if the demand is genuine, he urged the STDCM to remain positive since they never rejected the demand.
The STDCM along with bodies endorsing the demand for inclusion of Meetei in ST list thronged the quarter of Biswajit at Sanjenthong and submitted a memorandum, seeking necessary initiatives and support from the minister towards materialising the demand.
The STDCM submitted a memorandum to five ministers out of eight cabinet ministers, including CM Biren Singh from the Meetei community in the BJP-led government.
As per the October 13 People’s convention resolution, the STDCM plans to storm residences of all the ministers, MPs and MLAs to press for its long standing demand. However, the STDCM is yet to submit memorandum to the MPs and MLAs.
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