How long the tribals in Manipur can remain as victims to the subjugation of the majority? This is ironically questionable. One of the big questions can be traced back to the strong objection of the implementation of sixth schedule in the hill districts of Manipur by the valley people.
Again now, it can be in a black list in the history of Manipuri tribals that on 22nd October 2005, the SPF Governments steering committee and all political party’s of Manipur had decided to maintain the ‘status quo’ of the state assembly seats in view of the fact that the central government under its delimitation move basing on 2001 census would review and increase the number of seats (Assembly) in the hill district of Manipur. Is this justice to be accommodating in Manipur? What about the SPF Government slogan “Chingtam aikhoi amatani (hill people and valley people are one)”.
This kind of socio-political injustice and discrimination is a big step into disintegrating Manipur. To be frank, out of the total geographical area of the state, eight-tenth (8/10) is occupied by the hill districts but enjoy only 20 Assembly seats and the remaining 40 Assembly seats are enjoyed in the valley. Meaning and arguing that both land and people are equally important. Why should we keep on suppressing one section of the people and let others grow? Or shall we give a chance to slogan “chingtam aikhoi amata nate (hill people and valley people are not one)”. Let the whole world know and therefore, the Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) is extremely against the 22nd October’s decision taken by SPF Government steering committee and all political parties of Manipur.
RL. Angdang Pakan
President NSUC
