Tribal Youth Council demands immediate, apolitical appointment of state commission chairperson

The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has called on the Manipur government to urgently appoint a new chairperson for the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST), warning against any form of political interference in the selection process.

Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, TYCM executive member Lungdi Kalengta highlighted that the previous chairperson’s three-year term ended on July 14, 2025. Despite repeated appeals, the state government has yet to act on the matter.

“We have already drawn the attention of the authority concerned in connection with the appointment of the said post. However, the state government remains unheard of our demand to date, which is very unfortunate,” Kalengta said.

The TYCM has urged the government to ensure that the next appointment is based purely on merit, specifically, on the candidate’s experience and knowledge of tribal rights. The group is also pushing for a public notice inviting applications from eligible members of the Scheduled Tribes in Manipur, emphasising the need for transparency.

“TYCM strongly cautions against any political influence or interference in the process. We are ready to approach a competent court if there is no transparency in the appointment process of the said post,” Kalengta warned.