A one-day People’s Convention on “The future prospects of Meetei-Pangal community in Manipur” unanimously resolved to demand ST status for the Meetei-Pangal community in an effort to save the unique culture and tradition of Meetei-Pangal community which is on the verge of extension.
Thousands of Meetei-Pangal settling in different corners of the state witnessed the convention organised by Meetei-Pangal Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (MPSTDC) at ABA Ground in Imphal East.
After due deliberation and consultation with various resource persons along with the people from various walks of life, it was considered that ST status is the only hope for the community to protect themselves from extension using the constitutional means, said spokesperson of the committee, Jacky Masud Maibam.
He said, “The Meetei-Pangal is very different from the other Muslim residing in the rest of the world. Since our adoption by the Manipur Maharaja, we have started a new chapter of culture and tradition.”
Stating that the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of Meitei-Pangal as a community has been in the lowest and downward deprivations, he said it becomes imperative on the part of Meitei-Pangal as a distinctive community to preserve and protect the same along with the like-minded people of Manipur's society.
The people’s convention had also unanimously resolved to leave the responsibilities and duties of attaining the ST status to MPSTDC and requested all the Meitei-Pangal along with the like-minded, justice seeking people of Manipur's society, to support in any struggles and agitations for obtaining the same.
Considering the multi-ethnic identity of Manipur where each and every community have a fear of being deprive of their own distinct identity, the convention further resolved that any political and economic demands by any community residing in Manipur has to approach the same after due deliberations and discussions from various sections so that unity and prosperity along with the sense of will finally see the light of the day.
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