Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The World Meetei Council is ramping up pressure on the government. It wants the Meetei community added to the Scheduled Tribe list immediately. The group claims this status acts as a necessary shield for the community's ancestral land, language, and cultural survival. They say the move is a legal right, not a bargaining chip for negotiations.
A massive signature drive in 2024 brought in nearly one million supporters. This shows the public mood. The organization pointed to a 2015 rally where 1.5 lakh people marched for the same goal. They argue the current population of 17 lakh needs these protections to survive shifting economic and demographic tides.
The group claims this recognition is essential for preserving the community's distinct identity. In a recent statement, the organization said the demand "enjoys broad public support across Manipur" and urged officials to speed up the process. They also asked local tribal groups to back their constitutional path.
The council pointed to the Supreme Court ruling from August 1, 2024, regarding sub-classification. They believe the state and Central governments must apply this judgment to their case right now. The organization, founded in 2018, continues its work across India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to defend Meetei rights.
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