IT News
Imphal, Oct 5:
The Meitei/Meetei Tribe Union (MMTU) has announced plans to approach the Supreme Court of India if the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status granted to the Kuki-Zo people is not revoked, accusing them of illegally entering and settling in India. According to the MMTU, the inclusion of these migrants from Myanmar in both the Indian voter list and the ST list is unconstitutional and violates the Foreigners’ Act of 1946.
In a strongly-worded statement, the MMTU expressed deep concern over what it termed “unchecked illegal immigration.” It accused authorities of allowing these migrants to enroll as voters and obtain ST status, describing the situation as both an overt and covert agenda aimed at undermining the existence of indigenous communities in Manipur. The organization is now considering legal action, citing the grave threat posed to the demographic balance and cultural identity of the native people.
The MMTU claimed that the Kuki-Zo people who have settled in Manipur are not indigenous to the region. According to the organization, there were no Kuki-Zo villages identified in Manipur until 1834. The statement asserts that the Kuki-Zo entered the state either as refugees or illegal immigrants. Historical records cited by the MMTU mention that in 1941, a village consisting of 29 Kuki households began settling in Manipur, paying an annual tax of Rs. 3. Later that year, the Manipur State Darbar raised this tax to Rs. 6 per annum.
The statement further noted that in 1973, Kuki refugees received various forms of relief and rehabilitation from both the Indian and Manipur governments, with old documents allegedly proving this assistance. The MMTU also highlighted that the inclusion of the Kuki-Zo people in the ST list in 1950 led to complications, especially when the term “Kuki-Zo tribe” was introduced in 1956, allowing more migrants from Myanmar to settle in Manipur under the guise of tribal affiliation.
The MMTU pointed to the Indian Constitution’s strict criteria for inclusion in the ST list, noting that only communities that have resided in a region for an extended period can qualify for this status. They emphasized that foreign nationals and refugees cannot be included. The MMTU argued that the Kuki-Zo people, being originally from Myanmar, do not meet these criteria and should not be recognized as indigenous tribes.
Citing legal precedents, the MMTU referenced a 2011 ruling by the Supreme Court of India and a 2023 ruling by the Delhi High Court, which reaffirmed that individuals who are not indigenous cannot be included in the ST list.
Several Indian states have removed groups from the ST list that do not meet the qualifications. However, in Manipur, the issue remains unresolved, causing significant concern among the Meitei community.
The MMTU warned that the Meitei people’s existence is under threat as the influx of non-indigenous communities seeking ST status continues. The union noted that following the merger of Manipur into India in 1949, the state’s political, economic, social, cultural, and identity landscape has faced considerable challenges, exacerbated by the migration of foreigners, particularly from Myanmar.
The Meitei community fears that without ST status, they will lose control over their land, political influence, and cultural identity. The MMTU highlighted that only 700 square miles remain for Meitei settlements and that political shifts, including delimitation, could further marginalize the community. They expressed concerns over the exploitation of their ancestral lands and national resources by outside forces, warning of permanent displacement if the issue is not addressed.
The MMTU urged indigenous communities, citizens, and politicians to unite in support of the Meitei people’s demand for inclusion in the ST list, calling it a critical measure to protect their future. They warned that if this demand is not met, tensions may escalate, and the community may be forced to take a stand to safeguard their cultural, political, and economic rights.