IMPHAL, February 25: “The term “tribal” literally refers to “Indigenous People”. The demand of the Schedule Tribe Demand Committee to list Meitei into schedule tribe category is genuine and the government should take necessary measures to materialise the aspiration, said Opposition leader, Dr Ibohalbi today.
Dr Ibohalbi was speaking during a calling attention motion moved by him on the second day of the seventh session of 10 Assembly.
He pointed out that with regards to the demand, the committee had submitted a memorandum on three different occasions including to the chief minister on December 12, 2012 followed by another memorandum to the Governor of Manipur on November 30, 201.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs relayed an instruction from the Prime Minister’s Office to the state Government in connection with the issue. Moreover, endorsing the demand around 242 organisation operating in the state has been raising their voice, he said.
Dr Ibohal further mentioned that under the provision of the Indian Constitution article 366 (25), any indigenous population can be listed in the ST category.
As per 1931 census Manipuris are recorded as “Indigenous Tribal” with a total population of 60,644. Later in 1951, Meiteis was removed from ST category, he further said.
Responding to his observation, Home minister Gaikhangam, clarified that the Government has no objection to the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei in the ST category.
He assured that the issue will be tabled in the cabinet meeting after collecting relevant documents and consensus opinion and the resolution will be sent to the ministry concerned.