IT News
Imphal, July 9:
The Meitei Tribe Union (MTU) submitted a memorandum to Congress leader and opposition member Rahul Gandhi during his recent visit to Manipur. The memorandum, which highlights the MTU’s concerns and demands, contains six key points and was handed over by MTU Secretary Mutum Churamani to Rahul Gandhi.
The MTU’s memorandum focuses on several critical issues, particularly the demographic and socio-economic challenges faced by the Meitei community. According to census reports, the Meitei population in Manipur has drastically decreased from 59.16% in 1881 to 43.82% in 2011. The lack of constitutional safeguards has left the Meitei community vulnerable, with only 10% of their land remaining, which is under constant threat from encroachment.
One significant point raised was the need for the Meitei community’s inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list under Article 342(1) of the Indian Constitution. This inclusion is seen as essential for protecting their rights and preserving their cultural and economic stability.
The MTU has pointed out that without such safeguards, the Meitei community faces existential threats from various socio-economic pressures.
In a recent initiative, the MTU has garnered support from local political representatives, including Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who has endorsed the call for the Meitei community’s inclusion in the ST list. The MTU has also reached out to both Inner and Outer Manipur MPs to further this cause.
