A public meeting was conducted at Salungpham in Thoubal district, focusing on the theme, “Granting ST Status is the Only Way to Protect Our Land and Future,” organized by the Manipur unit of the World Meetei Council (WMC). The WMC Manipur Unit President, Urikhimbam Kunjo, emphasized the necessity of including the Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribe list under Article 342(1) of the Indian Constitution. He warned of looming demographic challenges for the Meetei population if this inclusion does not occur.
Kunjo pointed out that the land occupied by the Meitei, Meitei-Pangal, and hill communities constitutes only 6.5% of Manipur’s total geographical area, stressing the urgent need to protect this limited land for future generations. He claimed that unchecked migration from other states threatens to depopulate the indigenous communities. Citing Jiribam as an example, he noted that migrants have altered local demographics and increasingly occupy political and economic positions, with Meeteis potentially becoming a minority there.
Concerns were raised regarding land transactions in Imphal Valley, where external businessmen reportedly occupy large areas. Kunjo suggested that without constitutional safeguards, the Meetei community risks further margins and challenges in land ownership, employment, and political representation. Despite acknowledging steps like NRC and border fencing, he argued that they are insufficient without constitutional protection.
Kunjo indicated that the State Government must submit two reports to the Centre—an ethnographic report and a socio-economic report—to bolster the Meetei’s ST status demand. He clarified that WMC is a global platform for Meeteis, non-political and non-religious, and while its initial focus was not solely on the ST demand, recent years have seen heightened efforts for inclusion in the ST list. The meeting included participation from WMC Chairman Heikrujam Nabashyam, other officials, members of Meira Paibi groups, and local residents.