Summary:
"The demand for ST status began during the term of the previous government," he had said. STDCM leader said they want ST status for the Meiteis to ensure that the community enjoys a constitutional safeguard at a time when they are facing threats from influx of illegal immigrants. It further added that the tribal bodies will rise in protest if the state agrees to accord ST status to the Meiteis.Biren's announcement on Monday came a day after a mass rally was organised by the ST Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) in Imphal. ATRPFM said the move will jeopardize the interests of the tribal communities of the state. IMPHAL: Days after Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh informed the assembly that both the state and the Centre are trying their best to include Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, a tribal body has come out in opposition to the move.Slamming the government for the decision, the All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) said Meiteis enjoy considerable socio-economic privileges and therefore the ST status should not be accorded to them..