Political leader Maheshwar Thounaojam met Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, at his residence in New Delhi, pressing for the restoration of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
During the meeting, Thounaojam presented comprehensive data and reports highlighting the historical and constitutional basis for the community’s inclusion in the ST category. He also drew attention to the ongoing President’s Rule in Manipur, urging the Centre to leverage its current authority to address this long-pending demand.
Minister Assures Support
According to Thounaojam, the Union Minister was receptive and empathized with the cause. “He assured us of his support and committed to taking up the matter with his ministry,” Thounaojam stated after the meeting.
Background: The ST Status Demand
The demand for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list has been a long-standing issue in Manipur. Advocates argue that this status would provide constitutional safeguards and protect the community’s identity and land rights.
Timeline of Developments
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Petition filed in court seeking ST status | 2013 |
| Manipur High Court asked the Centre to consider the demand | March 2023 |
| President’s Rule imposed in Manipur | February 13, 2025 |
| Meeting with Union Tribal Affairs Minister | July 2025 |
Significance Amid President’s Rule
Thounaojam highlighted that with the state currently under President’s Rule, the Centre has a greater degree of administrative control and could move swiftly on this matter without procedural delays from state authorities.