Protests demanding inclusion of Meetei in the ST list of India before the 2026 delimitation spearheaded by the World Meetei Council (WMC) resumed on Sunday, with Langmeidong meira paibi carrying out a torch rally demanding ST Status for Meetei before the delimitation process.
WMC launched the ST demand protest across the state since April 2, but was halted owing to the recent heavy rainfall and flood situation in the state, WMC CEC secretary general Yambem Arun Meetei stated in a release on Monday.
During the protest, the Meira Paibis urged the chief minister to send the two needed reports at the earliest so as to ensure inclusion of Meetei in the scheduled tribe list before the upcoming 2026 delimitation, it stated.
It acknowledged the initiatives taken by the state government such as implementing the ILP system and making resolutions to implement NRC in the state, however asserted that inclusion of Meetei in ST list is the only way to save the community. It expressed concern over the grave threat surrounding the identity of the Meeteis and appealed to all to extend their support in urging the CM to send the two needed reports without further delay.
It further quoted the saying by Governor Ved marwah which goes, ‘The dominant ethnic group in Manipur is Meeteis who constitute two-third of total population. They come from the same racial stock as the other hill tribes but have not been accorded tribal status. Meeteis and Nagas belong to the same racial stock and Meeteis are no less tribal in their way of living than the nagas.’
It went on to claim that the population of the Meetei has now dwindled down to 44 per cent. It also reflected on the statement made by Jananeta Irabot, raising the need to maintain equal status among the hill and valley.
It reiterated its appeal to the chief minister to send the required two reports at the earliest, considering the fate of the Meetei community.
