STDCM raises ST banner with sit-ins

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 21: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) held mass sit-in protests demanding ST (Scheduled Tribe) status for Meetei/Meitei community at Tera Keithel Ideal Club and Singjamei Temporary Market today.
STDCM vice president Retired Lt Col L Lokendrajit, general secretary K Bhogendrajit, Dr Nanjesh, volunteers of civil society organisations and Meira Paibis took part in the sit-in protests.
It may be noted that the STDCM had earlier stated that it would be intensifying its demand for ST status to Meeteis/Meiteis with a series of sit-ins and other forms of stir from March 20.
At the sit-in protest demonstrations today, functionaries of the STDCM and local leaders stressed the importance and need for including Meeteis/Meiteis in the ST list.
They said that the Meetei/Meitei community, more than 70 years after Manipur’s merger with India, is still not provided the Constitutional safeguards needed for them to protect their land, identity and interests.
Like other indigenous communities in Manipur and North-East region are given ST status, Meetei/Meitei community should also be given the same treatment and included in the ST list and it is the duty of the State Government to send the required recommendation to the Centre to grant the community ST status, said STDCM members.
They reiterated that the demand for ST status is not directed against any community or organisation but is a legitimate demand and right of the Meeteis/Meiteis to protect themselves and their land. They asserted that giving ST status to the community would also ensure equality and peaceful coexistence of  all in the State.
Meanwhile, it may be noted that even though STDCM and civil society organisations have ramped up their demand for ST status, the State Government is yet to respond and send the necessary recommendation to the Centre for consideration.
Earlier during the Budget Session, N Biren Singh had stated that the State Government has not yet taken up any effort to send the recommendation to the Centre. Significantly, the Chief Minister’s admission on the Assembly floor had courted flaks from the STDCM and many civil society organisations.
The sit-in protest demonstrations today were held following COVID-19 SOPs.