Two Manipur-based organisations — Thadou Inpi Manipur and 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 Scheduled Tribes (ST) list in Manipur. They alleged that the inclusion of this category enables “foreigners to claim rights” meant for indigenous communities and poses a threat to local land and resources.

The groups stated that their demand aligns with the official stance of the Manipur government, which had recommended the deletion of the AKT category following cabinet decisions on October 19, 2018, and January 2, 2023.

Describing the term ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ as vague and problematic, the memorandum stated: “It allows foreigners to claim tribal rights in Manipur, seriously threatening the land, resources, and constitutional privileges of pre-existing Scheduled Tribes.”

They further argued that AKT does not meet the essential criteria for Scheduled Tribe recognition under Article 342 of the Constitution, such as a distinct language, cultural heritage, and geographical isolation. “AKT has no unique language, separate cultural heritage, or geographic isolation. It fails every benchmark and only serves to sow ethnic discord and legal confusion,” the memorandum stated.

The organisations also alleged that the AKT category was added to the ST list of Manipur in 2003 through “politically motivated and non-transparent means.” They claimed that AKT lacks legitimacy and is not recognised by any of the existing Scheduled Tribes of the state.

“Unlike other ST communities in Manipur that are linguistically and culturally distinct, AKT is an ambiguous and arbitrary insertion. Its existence has only worsened ethnic tensions and undermined social harmony,” the memorandum added.