The Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MTU) has appealed to the Governor of Manipur to recommend the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list under the Constitution of India. The appeal gains significance as the state is currently under President’s Rule, offering a crucial window for constitutional intervention.
In a statement, Takhellambam Parijat Singh, Organisation Secretary of MTU, urged the Governor-in-Council to act on the March 27, 2023 directive of the Manipur High Court, which had instructed the state government to submit a recommendation to the Centre. Over a year has passed without any action, the Union said, highlighting that the Governor, under Article 159 of the Constitution, holds the authority to address such matters during President’s Rule.
The Union emphasized the socio-economic, political, and cultural vulnerabilities of the Meetei community, who they said are indigenous to Manipur but have been increasingly marginalized since the state’s merger with India in 1949. With approximately 13 lakh Meeteis confined to just 700 square miles of valley land, surrounded by protected hill areas, the community is facing mounting displacement and systemic neglect.
Referring to Article 342(1) of the Constitution, MTU asserted that ST status is essential to safeguard the Meeteis from further decline. They cautioned against letting the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state, particularly tensions with the Kuki community, stall the constitutional process.
MTU revealed that it has submitted three appeals to the Governor since February 13, when President’s Rule was imposed, but has yet to receive any official response. They warned that prolonged inaction may further aggravate the community’s concerns, despite the matter having already been discussed by the Union Home Minister and the Manipur Chief Minister in previous meetings.
Historically, the Meeteis were recognized as a tribe by the British government as early as 1908, with the 1921 and 1931 censuses listing them as Tribe No. 1. However, post-merger, they were excluded from the ST list unlike tribal communities in Assam and Tripura. While past governments under Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee explored the possibility of ST inclusion, no formal recommendation was made.
Public support for ST status has surged in recent years. A 2023 mass missed-call campaign saw participation from over 9 lakh individuals. MTU concluded that both historical recognition and overwhelming public backing make it imperative for the Governor to act promptly and forward the recommendation to the Centre.