Imphal: Two Manipur-based organisations have petitioned the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to remove the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) category from the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
They claim the category enables “foreigners to claim rights” of indigenous communities, posing a threat to their land and resources.
In a memorandum submitted to the ministry, the Thadou Inpi Manipur and the Meitei Alliance argued that their demand aligns with previous recommendations by the Manipur government.
The state cabinet, through resolutions passed on October 19, 2018, and January 2, 2023, had formally proposed the deletion of the AKT category.
“The ambiguous designation of ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ allows individuals without legitimate indigenous connections to claim tribal rights. This endangers the land, resources, and constitutional privileges of recognized Scheduled Tribes,” the memorandum stated.
The organisations further argued that AKT does not meet the constitutional criteria for Scheduled Tribe status under Article 342, which requires distinct language, cultural heritage, and geographical isolation.
“AKT lacks a unique identity and serves only to exacerbate ethnic discord and create legal ambiguities,” they asserted.
The groups also alleged that the AKT category was added to the ST list in 2003 through “politically motivated and non-transparent means.”
They claimed this inclusion lacks the linguistic and cultural distinctiveness typical of Manipur’s recognized Scheduled Tribes.
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“Unlike other Scheduled Tribes in Manipur, AKT is an arbitrary addition without a legitimate basis. Its existence has intensified ethnic tensions and disrupted social harmony,” the memorandum stated.
The organizations have urged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to act on their appeal, arguing that removing the AKT category would safeguard the rights and resources of Manipur’s indigenous communities while fostering social cohesion.
