STDCM Responds to ANSAM Opposition to Meetei/Meitei ST Status Demand

The Schedule Tribe Demand Committee (STDCM) earnestly appeals to all other fellow communities in Manipur, especially the indigenous ones, not to oppose Meitei/Meetei's ST status demand.

STDCM stated that their demand does not intend to infringe upon the interests of other communities already included in the ST list.

STDCM issued a press release on Wednesday in response to the memorandum submitted by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) to the Governor of Manipur on February 17, opposing STDCM's demand for inclusion of indigenous Meitei/Meetei tribe of Manipur in the ST list.

The release stated that STDCM finds ANSAM's step unfortunate and uncalled for and added that if ANSAM or any other organization or community has grievances, they should approach the state government for redressal instead of opposing a fellow indigenous tribe's claim for Constitutional safeguards.

STDCM stated that an opposition to the STDCM demand may lead to unnecessary misunderstandings among the indigenous communities.

Reiterating that its demand for ST status for the indigenous Meitei/Meetei is in accordance with the Constitution of India, STDCM added that the Indian Government has established procedures, modalities, and criteria for considering claims for inclusion in the ST list.

As such, it is for the government to decide whether such inclusion is justified, stated the release.

STDCM further stated that Meitei/Meetei's claim for ST status does not involve reversal or downgrading of social status or historical but it is a matter for the concerned authority to determine.

The goal is to secure constitutional safeguards for the survival of the indigenous Meitei/Meetei tribe in Manipur, STDCM stated, and added that united effort is needed to address the challenges posed by external forces.

It is a constitutional demand crucial for their survival in their ancestral land. Opposing it implies denying their right to survival, which is unjust, the release added.

STDCM is committed to promoting unity among all indigenous communities In Manipur, fostering peaceful co-existence and mutual progress, it added.