Announcing a one-day public convention on October 6, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) on Thursday appealed to the government to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community without any bloodshed.
Speaking to the media at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, STDCM Youth Wing Convenor N Edison expressed disappointment that despite verbal support from both the ruling and Opposition parties for the ST demand movement, no concrete action has been taken.
Urging the state government to stop withholding the recommendation required to be sent to the Centre, he pointed out that it has been ten years since the STDCM began its democratic campaign for ST status.
Edison further remarked that the recent aggression against the Meitei community by Kuki militants highlights the necessity for constitutional protection for the community.
“We must ensure that this movement does not clash with any other and that no negotiations are allowed to derail it,” he said.
Suggestions submitted by the public will be discussed during the convention, Edison added.
The convention will be held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Complex from 11 am to 3.30 pm on October 6.
As every participant will not have the opportunity to speak, people are encouraged to send their suggestions via email to contact@stdcm.org or through WhatsApp at 8794229206 or 8257912470 before September 30.
