In response to the state government’s negligence in sending recommendations for enlisting the Meetei community in the ST list, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) on Sunday issued a stern call, urging the state government to address the pressing issue without delay.
With over nine lakh Meetei individuals rallying behind the cause through a missed call campaign held towards the end of last year, the STDCM emphasised the importance of government action to avoid potential protest by the nine lakhs individuals coming out to the streets.
Speaking to the media in Imphal, joint secretary of STDCM, L Brijkishore pointed out that the state government’s sole obligation lies in forwarding the recommendation, a step empowered by the state cabinet and awaiting final approval from the Centre.
He even highlighted the procedural flexibility, noting that the process could proceed without necessitating a formal tabling in the Assembly, though the committee would welcome Assembly endorsement if proposed.
Amidst public confusion sparked by recent High Court rulings on ST demand, which remove a para of its previous ruling which stated that “The first respondent shall consider the case of the petitioners for inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list”, the joint secretary made certain clarification.
He clarified that the para was removed as the court has no authority to award the ST status to any committee as it is to be decided only by the government or the Parliament.
As a result the STDCM has not moved the demand which has been voiced for more than 10 years, in the court, he said, adding it was the Meetei Tribal Union which raised the demand in the court.
Emphasising the constitutional significance of Meetei inclusion in the ST list as vital for safeguarding indigenous communities, Brijkishore stressed its importance in tandem with saving Manipur.
Urging the state government not to take this demand seriously and sending the necessary recommendation, he further appealed to the government to address the communities who are already enlisted in the ST list to clear their doubt in any.
