News

ST demand for Meetei/Meitei is a toxic to disintegrate us – Dhanabir Laishram

IT Web Admin4245 views

Imphal, May 12: Demand of scheduled tribe status for Meitei/ Meetei community is nothing but a toxic to disintegrate the unity of the Manipuri people. This was stated by Dhanabir Laishram while speaking during a public discourse on “Schedule tribe Status in Manipur” at MDU Hall Yaiskul today.

The one day discourse was organized by Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur. Dr. Ch Priyoranjan, Dr. N Somorendra, Dr. L. Gojen, Dr. Dhanabir Laishram and Dr. Arambam Birjit attended as resource person while Prof. N. Joykumar moderated the session.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Dhanabir Laishram said that the culture taking up any issue for cheap publicity after forming an organization should be stopped to save the future of the state. The more the issue the more is the problem to the fate of the people. “If someone like to go for election, he can join politics and contest the election, he or she does not need to play with the sentiment of the people”, Dhanabir said.

He further added that for those movements to free from the clutch of colonialism there are various obstacles however for those movement to become slaves there are more support. Certain issues which will create confusion among the people of the state have diverted the peoples’ movement against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Dhanabir further added that by inciting hate feeling like demand for ST status for narrow minded gain or opportunity some people are playing games to distort the unity of the people.

As for the cheap propaganda like getting more seats in UPSC conducted exam Dhanabir said that it is not the ST that is required but hard work and commitment.

“Now our students have starting working hard and more and more youths from the state have started qualified in the UPSC conducted exam”, Dhanabir added.

On the other hand Dhanabir said that it was not because of Hindu religion that Meitei had restrained themselves from inclusion in the ST categories but it is rather the status of the then Meitei that compelled them to stay as general category.

“How could we defy the decision of our ancestor?”, Dhanabir asked.

He also said that When India is busy preparing a constitution, Manipur had already got its own constitution, the state was once a nation in the Asia and it is the duty of all Manipuri to respect the dignity of this erstwhile nation.

Related posts

KNO/KNA deputy C-in-C Thangboi Haokip killed in deadly ambush by miscreants

Talks between AMUCO, COCOMI, FOCS and MHA begin in New Delhi

Month-long World Environment Day 2025 observance concludes

4 comments

Mayanglambam May 13, 2016 - 7:06 am
Meitei can't live on only on past glories. The survival of human has been all about adaptations according to time and situation. I would like to draw the attention of the learned people of Manipur to the recent agitations of Jats in Haryana and ask the question Why? Had Manipur been an Independent country like in the past, we will not be having this discussion right now. The inclusion of Meitei as an ST will have its implications not only to the Meiteis of Manipur but also to the Meiteis of Assam, Tripura. Hard work and commitment can be inculcated because it's in our hand but, how about a level playing field. Can we insure that when we go out and compete with the rest of the country? The likes of RK Phalhuni, R K Dinesh, KH Diana are not born everyday. The demand is for the less gifted who needs some support and security. I also grew up marvelling at the stories of our forefathers. The Britishers describe us as proud people. Though indirect, I had a rude shock when I realised how the European looked upon the natives. The movie "Sleeping dictionary" made it very clear and my pride get a beating even though the movie was about Malaysian natives. Coming to the present, outside of Manipur, how many know of Meitei? Naga, Kuki, Mizos are much more visible to the outside world ....may be its because we are less represented where it matters and may be Meitei are synonymous with Manipuri ....and the word Meitei have almost become invisible ....Our intellectual needs to understand ST status means protection of a community in a country where they are a minority...it doesn't mean protection from from the Naga, Kuki or Mizos but from the demographically, politically dominant communities of the country. Why should a Naga or a Kuki have problem with the Meitei demand for ST status. My demand is from the government of India to protect the interest of my community just like the Nagas, Kukis or Mizos who is enjoying the protection under the constitution. Do the Nagas need protection in Nagaland? Do the Mizos need protection in Mizoram? Why ST status?
Anand May 13, 2016 - 11:08 am
Please read above comments. I agree with him
ChingjaoLakpa May 16, 2016 - 12:44 am
Oja I have respect for your contributions, in the terms of social issue and yours intellectualism. But the Terms TOXIC. On social issue force me to disrespect you.. as we know , Nothing is absolutely wrong or Right. And solution can be brought after thorough Debate. I would highlight you regarding our past Glory, Intelligence Level. And our arrogance, by giving you the hardest example. Of Chingiz Khan of Mongol , who consider one of most successful expansionist Till Kublai Khan. Are they advance and developed country. , In other Hand, This popular Public demand is trying Silence by ….. And observing illogical rhetoric. From so Enlightened Intellectual.
G b sharma September 23, 2016 - 2:29 pm
Where were these people when Meiteis have branded Backward (OBC)?? I would rather be included included in ST list than be OBC. Meaning of BACKWARD is so obvious to everyone except these Phd holders!!
Add Comment