Imphal, May 16 -- The Republican Party of India (Athawale), a coalition partner in the BJP-led central government, urged Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to recommend the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the national Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

Maheshwar Thounaojam, president of the party's Manipur state unit, on Friday, met the Governor at Raj Bhavan in Imphal and submitted a memorandum requesting prompt action on the matter.

Speaking to the media afterward, Maheshwar said the governor took the issue seriously and is likely to forward the recommendation, especially since the state is currently under President's Rule and the assembly remains suspended.

Maheshwar cited a 1908 ethnographic report titled The Manipur by W.H.T. ...