AITSA Demands SC Village Recognition in Manipur

New Delhi, July 18, 2013 — The All India Tribal Students’ Association, Delhi (AITSA), has strongly urged the Chief Minister of Manipur to issue a formal apology to the Mongoloid Scheduled Caste (SC) community for the state’s prolonged failure to officially recognize their villages in its land revenue records, despite their inclusion in the SC list over 60 years ago.

In a press statement, AITSA President K. Zou expressed deep anguish over the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s reply in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, wherein he stated that no Scheduled Caste villages are recognized in the state’s land revenue documents. This response, reported in local newspapers on June 22, 2013, was given in response to a query raised by MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar (Andro).

Zou found this denial shocking, especially when the Government of Manipur itself had submitted a report in 1965 to the Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledging the existence of eight SC villages. Furthermore, MLA Khwairakpam Devendro pointed out that SC villages were documented in the Manipur Gazette in 1994. Given this, it is unacceptable to treat these villages as unauthorized. AITSA echoes the call of MLA Dr. Ibohalbi for the immediate inclusion of these SC villages in the official land revenue records.

AITSA also called on the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) to publicly express regret for the discrimination faced by the Meitei-speaking SC communities and demonstrate genuine concern for inclusive peace in the state.

K. Zou also highlighted that indigenous groups in villages like Sekmai, Phayeng, Khurkhul, Koutruk, Laimaram Kwatha, Laimaram Khunou, Andro, and Chairel were arbitrarily classified as SCs under labels such as Muchi, Ravidas, Namasudra, Patni, Sutradhar, and Yaithibi. These communities have long suffered systemic neglect—not only from successive governments but also from civil society—finding themselves alienated from both Meiteis and Tribals, effectively living in a mental and social "no man's zone."

Zou concluded by condemning the Manipur government’s attempt to erase the rightful settlements of these communities, drawing a parallel with the recent demolition of Kabo Leikai near the Naga River. “The government must hang its head in shame,” he asserted.

Bruce K. Thangkhal
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE

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