IT News
Imphal, Sept 5:
The Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU) has announced a nationwide campaign demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community. Speaking to the media at Manipur Club, MMTU Secretary Mutum Churamani highlighted that the community has been advocating for this status for the past 12 years, but the state government has remained silent on the issue.
Churamani expressed concern that the Meitei community faces marginalization in political, economic, social, and land ownership aspects. He warned that if these issues persist, the community could face severe challenges by 2050. He emphasized the need for political leaders to take decisive action to address the Meitei ST demand.
He further noted that, despite being a national political issue, many political parties appear to be unaware of the Meitei community’s struggle for ST status. Meanwhile, Churamani pointed out that immigrant Kukis, who were paying land and house taxes to indigenous tribes in the 1960s, have since been granted ST status and are benefitting from it, leading to disparities.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Churamani expects political parties to raise the issue of Meitei ST status during their campaigns. He also mentioned that the mass missed-call campaign organized last year was a success, gaining support from over 80,000 people. According to him, achieving ST status for the Meitei community would significantly strengthen its standing.
The MMTU has completed preparations for a nationwide campaign, including personal outreach to well-wishers. The union is ready to provide information to those outside the community through PowerPoint presentations to garner support for their cause. Meitei research scholars based in Delhi are also assisting with the campaign, Churamani added.
