Imphal, June 24 -- Two organisations from Manipur have submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, urging the removal of the 'Any Kuki Tribes' (AKT) category from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list in the state.

The organisations-Thadou Inpi Manipur and Meitei Alliance-have alleged that the category enables "foreigners" to claim the rights and benefits meant for indigenous communities, thereby threatening their land, resources, and constitutional protections.

In the memorandum, the organisations noted that their appeal is in line with previous recommendations made by the Manipur state government. Referring to cabinet decisions made on October 19, 2018, and January 2, 2023, they said the state had formally proposed the deletion...