Two influential organisations from Manipur — Thadou Inpi Manipur and the Meitei Alliance — have submitted a joint memorandum to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, urging the removal of the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) category from the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The petition alleges that the ambiguous classification poses a threat to the rights, land and resources of indigenous communities.

The organisations pointed out that their demand echoes previous resolutions passed by the Manipur state cabinet. According to the memorandum, formal proposals to delete the AKT category were adopted by the state on October 19, 2018 and January 2, 2023. These resolutions, they argue, support the legitimacy of their request.

In the memorandum, the petitioners claim that the vague classification of “Any Kuki Tribes” enables individuals without verified indigenous lineage to claim constitutional privileges reserved for Scheduled Tribes. This, they allege, undermines the rights of genuine tribal communities and endangers their land and natural resources.

Constitutional criteria not met, say petitioners

The groups argue that the AKT designation fails to meet the requirements laid out under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution, which mandates characteristics such as distinct language, cultural heritage, and geographical isolation for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe.

“AKT lacks a unique identity and serves only to exacerbate ethnic discord and create legal ambiguities,” the memorandum stated.

The memorandum further alleges that the AKT category was added to the ST list in 2003 through what they described as “politically motivated and non-transparent means.” They claim that the classification lacks the linguistic and cultural distinctiveness that characterises other recognised Scheduled Tribes in Manipur.
“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 petitioners asserted.

Appeal to safeguard indigenous rights and promote harmony

Concluding their appeal, the Thadou Inpi Manipur and Meitei Alliance urged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to act swiftly on their demand. They argued that removing the AKT category would protect the legal rights and resources of Manipur’s recognised indigenous communities while helping to foster peace and social cohesion in the state.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has yet to respond publicly to the memorandum.