It was not The Tribals But Meiteis Who First Opposed Inclusion of Meitei in ST List, says Meitei Socio-Political Commentator P. Sonamani

Much has been said and discussed about the inclusion of the Meiteis, the majority community in Manipur, in the Scheduled Tribe category. The Meiteis’ demand for inclusion in the ST list received stiff opposition from the tribal communities of Manipur.

Besides, there has been a conflict of ideas or opinions among the Meiteis themselves regarding the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list. While a section of Meiteis, who want opportunities for jobs through reservations, supported the inclusion of the Meiteis in the ST list, there are also other sections of the Meiteis who are opposed to it tooth and nail. The Meiteis’ ST demand under the aegis of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur has received criticism from many sections of the Meitei community since the beginning of the movement.

The ongoing Kuki-Meitei conflict began in the aftermath of the tribals’ Solidarity Rally against Manipur High Court’s order directing the Government for sending a recommendation of Meiteis in the ST list. The Meiteis have been trying hard to shift the narratives that the conflict started because of the Kuki-Zo community’s opposition to certain policies adopted by the state government, which have been gradually proven wrong.

In the midst of this conflict, the Meitei political commentator, P. Sonamani, has spilled the beans that the inclusion of the Meitei in the ST list was first opposed by the Meiteis themselves.

In an interview with a valley-based media house, Sonamani asserted that it was not the tribals but the Meiteis who first opposed the inclusion of Meitei in the ST list. “The demand for inclusion of Meitei among the Scheduled Tribes in India was first opposed by the people from the Meitei community but not the tribals in Manipur,” he said.

“Way back in 1944, the Scheduled Tribe leaders in the country tried to convince or tell the Meiteis to convert into a Scheduled Tribe and sought acknowledgement from the Meitei community. However, at that time, the Meitei leaders failed to accept it. At that time, no other communities raised their voice in opposition to the inclusion of the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list. But, it was the Meiteis including the unknown personalities,” Sonamani said.

Sonamani expressed confidence that even the ruling BJP party in the State would not dare to send the recommendation for inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list to the Centre, adding that even in the state assembly, the chief minister himself has made a statement that he would have to discuss with other stakeholders regarding the proposed inclusion of Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list.

Sonamani also said the chief minister’s statement was an indication that N. Biren Singh would not make any move for inclusion of Meitei in the ST list.