Tribal Ministry urged to delete ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ category from Manipur’s ST list

Tue Jun 24 08:11:50 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Two organizations in Manipur, Thadou Inpi Manipur and Meitei Alliance, are petitioning the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to remove the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) category from the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. They argue that the broadness of this category allows foreigners to claim tribal rights, endangering the land, resources, and constitutional privileges of existing ST communities. They further claim that AKT lacks the distinct characteristics necessary for ST recognition and was included in the list through questionable means in 2003, exacerbating ethnic tensions. The Government of Manipur also supports the removal.

**News Article:**

**Manipur Groups Seek Removal of ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ from Scheduled Tribes List**

**Imphal, June 24, 2025** – Two Manipur-based organizations, Thadou Inpi Manipur and Meitei Alliance, are urging the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to delete the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) category from the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry, the organizations argue that the ambiguous nature of the AKT designation allows individuals from outside the region to claim tribal rights, posing a significant threat to the land, resources, and constitutional protections of established ST communities in Manipur.

The groups allege that AKT does not meet the criteria for ST recognition under Article 342 of the Constitution, lacking a unique language, distinct cultural heritage, and demonstrable geographical isolation. They contend that the inclusion of AKT in the ST list in 2003 was politically motivated and lacked transparency.

“Unlike other Scheduled Tribes in Manipur, which possess distinct linguistic and cultural identities, AKT is an arbitrary insertion without a legitimate basis,” the memorandum states. “Its existence has only exacerbated ethnic tension and undermined social harmony.”

The organizations highlight that their appeal aligns with the official position of the Government of Manipur, which has formally recommended the removal of the AKT category following cabinet decisions in 2018 and 2023. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has yet to respond to the petition. The issue is expected to spark further debate and scrutiny on the criteria for ST recognition in Manipur.

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