Opposition MLA K Ranjit on Saturday pointed out that enlisting the Meetei community in the ST list is the only way to safeguard and protect the indigenous population, and appealed to the Manipur government to send the recommendation of enlisting Meetei community in the ST list.
“It is the perfect time to send the recommendation as all the ministers and MLAs of the ruling party who have been apprised by the STDCM have given a positive note on the demand,” he added.
Ranjit was speaking to the media after the team of STDCM thronged at his official residence at Babupara, Imphal and submitted a representation, seeking his support in the demand for inclusion of Meetei in ST list.
The Meetei community which has been settling only at the 10 per cent of (valley) area in the state alongside various other communities is facing an existential threat. On top of it, the influx of illegal immigrants is taking place on a large scale, he added.
He admitted that the previous Congress government was unable to fulfill the ST demand due to having different options, views and misunderstandings. “Now everyone has come to a common conclusion. So, it is the appropriate time to enlist Meetei in the ST list,” he added.
The MLA lastly gave his full commitment to support the demand of STDCM.
In the afternoon, the STDCM in collaboration with the women vendors of Pangei Keithel staged a demonstration along the Imphal-Saikul road in Pangai, Imphal East demanding recommendation of ST status for the Meetei community to the Central government.