World Meetei Council Demands ST Status Commitments from Manipur Parties

Imphal: The World Meetei Council (WMC) is putting political parties on notice. Ahead of the 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections, the group demands all candidates clarify their stance on granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. Urikhingbam Kunjo, president of the WMC Manipur unit, issued the ultimatum during a Friday press conference at the Thangjing Hall of the Manipur Press Club.

Kunjo told voters to boycott any party that refuses to back their demand. He believes this status is the only way to protect the indigenous community and bring peace to the region. Without constitutional safeguards, he warns that wealthy outsiders could buy up local valley land. That threatens the community's future.

The current assembly term ends on March 13, 2027, with 60 seats up for grabs. Kunjo argued that the state could have stopped the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, if officials had acted faster. He specifically blamed the government for failing to impose a curfew or send forces to Churachandpur early on. He claimed that the "Kuki aggression was a machination of the Government of India."

While civil society groups and local clubs have handled recent crises, the WMC insists this demand is the priority. The council remains focused on long-term security. They intend to hold parties accountable at the ballot box.