UKHRUL: The World Meetei Council (WMC) has stated that it does not defend or support any political party or politician for their acts of omission or commission, while responding to a press statement issued by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM).
In a statement, WMC said it had taken note of ANSAM seeking clarification from Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on several issues, including the demand of the Meetei community for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list under the Constitution of India.
WMC maintained that the right of the Meeteis to demand inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list should not be a matter to be debated or negotiated among communities that are already included in the list, particularly within Manipur.
The council further stated that the indigenous Meetei of Manipur, whose total population in India is around 17 lakh, is smaller than either the combined population of the Kuki-Zo groups or the Naga population. It claimed that the Meeteis fulfill the criteria prescribed by the Lokur Commission for Scheduled Tribe status, which include primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact and backwardness.
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Explaining these points, WMC said that although many Meeteis follow Hinduism, they continue to maintain a deep connection with their traditional deities. During traditional ceremonies such as Lai Haraoba and Saroi Khangba, even highly educated Meeteis follow the spiritual guidance conveyed through Maibis, priestesses believed to communicate with deities. This, the council said, reflects the continued presence of ancient spiritual traditions among the community.
It further noted that while Meeteis embraced Hinduism in the 18th century, traditional faith practices remain deeply rooted. According to the statement, almost every Meetei household maintains a sacred space in the south-western corner of the home dedicated to Lainingthou Sanamahi, regarded as the supreme household deity.
The council also pointed to the ongoing crisis in Manipur as evidence of the geographical isolation experienced by the Meetei population. It stated that due to unreliable road connectivity and frequent blockades along national highways, Meeteis often depend on air transport to maintain access to the rest of India.
WMC also highlighted the community’s social practices, stating that despite living alongside other communities, many traditional ceremonies such as birth rites, marriages and death rituals are largely conducted within the Meetei community.
On the economic front, the council said that the majority of Meetei people continue to depend on subsistence livelihoods. It claimed that nearly 90 percent of the population struggles to meet daily needs, while much of the business and commercial activity in the Imphal market area is dominated by trading communities from outside Manipur. According to the statement, the role of the Meetei population in major commercial sectors remains marginal.
The council further expressed concern over what it described as a growing cultural identity issue. It said that nationally and internationally, Meeteis are often recognised through the classical dance form Raas Leela, which draws from the Radha-Krishna narrative of the Mahabharata tradition, leading some to view the community as an advanced society.
Historically, WMC stated, Meeteis adopted Hinduism in the 18th century and many were taught that they descended from Arjuna of the Mahabharata. However, it emphasised that such narratives should not obscure the fact that the Meeteis are aboriginal and indigenous inhabitants of Manipur with their own distinct cultural and historical identity.
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The council stated that the Meetei community is currently facing a serious identity crisis and an uncertain future as they remain largely confined to the valley region of Manipur while demographic and political pressures continue to grow.
WMC appealed to all communities across India, particularly those in Manipur, not to create obstacles to what it described as the legitimate aspirations of the Meetei people.
“This is not a struggle against any community. It is a struggle for the future, dignity and security of our children and generations to come,” the statement added.