IT News
Imphal, Sept 18:
Representatives of the Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU) continue to meet with various political, social, and religious leaders, urging authorities to submit recommendations along with ethnographic and socio-economic reports to ensure the inclusion of the Meitei of Manipur in India’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
As part of its nationwide campaign, MMTU delegates submitted a memorandum to Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Girish Jah, Northeast in-charge of the AICC, and social activist Rami Niranjan Desai, seeking support for the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list.
Iqbal Singh Lalpura expressed that the Meetei should be included in the ST list, noting that while Kukis are already included, Meeteis are not. He instructed his Secretary to send a report to the relevant authorities. Social activist Amrit Singh Pahwa also supported the inclusion, citing its rich history and culture.
Rami Niranjan Desai told the MMTU delegates that demanding inclusion in the ST list is a birthright of the Meeteis and that no other community should interfere in this demand.
The MMTU delegation also briefed Girish Jah on their demands, and he assured them he would arrange an appointment with Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the AICC. Before meeting Girish Jah, the delegates also held discussions with K. Meghachandra, President of the MPCC, and N. Bhupenda, AICC member.