Birth Right of The Meiteis

Randhir Thiyam
We, the Meiteis, demand—not beg
Our place in the ST list,
The way lungs demand oxygen.
Yes, demand your own skies—
But don’t clip the wings of our birds.
Who are you?
Why are you crying into someone else’s cup,
As if our tea will poison your throat?

You cannot hijack our minds;
They are already war-tempered,
Forged in a land older than your fences.
Tell us why our name on that list
Frightens you more than your own shadows.
Inclusion in the ST list
Is not a favour,
It’s the unfinished line
In the birth certificate of the Meiteis.