The All-Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has condemned the Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasilloi Apunba Lup (MEELAL) for mandating that all vehicle registration numbers in Manipur be inscribed in Meetei Mayek script. In a press release, ANSAM characterized this directive as an unreasonable imposition, lacking constitutional validity and democratic justification. They argue that imposing one community’s script on a diverse society undermines cultural identity and infringes on the constitutional rights that protect equality and cultural freedoms.
ANSAM emphasized that Manipur is home to various indigenous communities, each with its linguistic and cultural heritage, and that the enforcement of a single script threatens the delicate balance necessary for coexisting democratically. They asserted that they will not comply with any demands perceived as unconstitutional or as infringing on the rights of the Naga and tribal populations. Furthermore, ANSAM warned that any adverse consequences resulting from MEELAL’s insistence on this issue would hold the organization morally accountable.
The Tribal Youth Council Manipur- Central Headquarters (TYCM-CHQ) also expressed significant disappointment regarding MEELAL’s recent pronouncement, which threatens penalties for vehicle owners non-compliant with the new regulations. TYCM stated that the directive should not apply to tribal vehicle owners, emphasizing that the Indian government has not mandated a script for vehicle number plates. They urged MEELAL to promote the Meetei Mayek script without infringing upon tribal rights.
Both ANSAM and TYCM called for governmental intervention to prevent unconstitutional actions and to uphold the rights of all communities in Manipur, warning that such divisive actions could disrupt the state’s harmony and coexistence. TYCM reasserted its respect for the promotion of Meetei Mayek but cautioned that any resulting conflict from MEELAL’s actions would make the organization solely responsible.
