‘Seva Pakhwada’: MSCST annual report released

Imphal: As a part of the ‘Seva Pakwada’ observation in connection with the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is to be celebrated from September 17 to October 2, Manipur State Commission for Schedule Tribe (MSCST) on Tuesday released its annual report of 2021-2022 at ADC Bhavan, here.

Chairman of Hill Area Committee, Dinganglung Gangmei who is also MLA of Nungba (ST); chairperson of MSCST Thuigai Mathieu Rongmei and MLA Janghemlung Panmei attended the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Gangmei said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the political scenario of the country has been changed and various development has been witnessed across the country including Manipur.

MSCST that has been defunct for years has started functioning with the coming of the Modi government. In the past most of the hill people were not even aware of the commission. However, with the continuous activities carried by the commission, it has been taking a necessary role in the hilly areas of the state, he added.

The people are proud to the Indian Constitution for giving the Schedule Tribe category as an identity. Some of the community inhabited at hilly region are still unrecognised to be included in the ST category, he said. Pointing out an example, he said Chakesang tribe of Jessami has been recognised as Angami, however, Angami is not a tribe.

The characteristic of Angami and Chakeshang is different and MSCST need to take initiatives to report be reporting such anomalies to the authority concerned for correction. It is the right of each community to enjoy their rights whether the community is small or big, Gangmei said.

Chakeshang also deserves to get recognition in order to get its identity, he said and appealed the commission to take necessary measures in order to get the right for the community.