SCHEDULED TRIBE DEMAND COMMITTEE OF MANIPUR
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The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) is an organisation formed by Meetei/Meitei people, one of the indigenous communities of Manipur. It is an apolitical and non-religious people's organisation, which operates independently and spearheaded by a group of senior citizens. Since the later part of 2012, the STDCM has been working diligently to advocate for the inclusion of the indigenous Meetei/Meitei community from Manipur in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list as specified in Article 342(1) of the Constitution of India.
STDCM has launched a range of awareness campaigns to actively involve and garner support from our constituents for the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in India's Scheduled Tribes (ST) list....
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Engaging in lobbying efforts with legislators, government of Manipur, central government, and relevant authorities to advocate for inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list of India....
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STDCM is dedicated to achieving Scheduled Tribe status for the Meetei/Meitei community through meticulous planning and unwavering determination. We will tirelessly work towards this goal...
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President
Working President
Vice President
General Secretary
I wholeheartedly support the demand for schedule tribe status for Meitei community. It is a long standing demand of the Meiteis. The Meitei community feels marginalised and victimised without any constitutional protections. It is our strong desire to include Meitei community in the ST list under Article 342(1) of Indian Constitution.
The Meiteis are the original tribe inhabiting the tiny central valley in the small hill state of Manipur, and this tribe now needs a constitutional protection for its survival. The demand of the STDCM to include Meitei in the Scheduled Tribes list is to be considered as an appeal to provide constitutional safeguard for the survival of the Meiteis. The Government of Manipur is morally obligated to send a positive recommendation.
Meitei/Meetei, so small population in the country, faces lot of challenges. If not constitutionally protected, future of Meitei/Meetei is bleak and inclusion in the ST list is the only way forward for the community.
Meiteis have always been considered tribes, forest dwellers or owners of the forest from colonial Britishers time and beyond, so in my mind there is absolutely no reason, why the Meiteis should not demand for Scheduled Tribe status and on the contrary the privileges that is given to the hill tribes should have been extended to the Meiteis a long time ago. - Watch the Interview with Imphal Times here
Of all the struggles, the struggle for survival is of paramount importance. At the present moment, inclusion in the list of the scheduled tribes of India is the only viable option for survival of the Meitei/Meetei community.
I fully endorses the STDCM in its endeavour to add the ethnic group in the ST list under Article 342 (1) of the Constitution. However there must be unity among the Meetei/Meitei populace while placing the demand, so as to make the movement more convincing. - Refer details here
Meitei needs Constitutional Safeguard for its survival and the best option at present towards this inclusion of Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list
Scheduled Tribe status for the Meeteis/Meities is imperative to build a just and prosperous Manipur.
"As a micro-minority ethnic group in the region, the Meiteis are confronted with a genuine risk of losing their unique identity in the near future. Consequently, the imperative for Meiteis to acquire Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is more pressing today than ever before."
The inclusion of the Meitei tribe in the scheduled tribes list of Manipur is of paramount importance. The regrettable removal of the Meiteis from this list post-Indian Independence necessitates rectification. The present juncture calls for their swift reinstatement, minimizing any procrastination that may expose us to the existential threat of annihilation.
The paramount struggle for survival among the Meitei/Meetei community necessitates their inclusion in India's Scheduled Tribes list through the STDCM's efforts under Article 342 (1) of the Constitution. Unity among the Meetei/Meitei population is crucial for a convincing movement. As a micro-minority ethnic group facing a real risk of losing their unique identity, acquiring Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is now more urgent than ever, providing the constitutional safeguard required for their survival.
Demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the list of Scheduled Tribe of India is a legitimate claim and constitutional right of the community. I think the other communities need not interfere to this demand. I would like to request the State Government to recommend the matter for approval of the Central Government.