If Bengali can be official language, why not Manipuri, asks youth front

GUWAHATI, Jul 19
In continuation of their demand for inclusion of Manipuri language as an associate official language of Assam, today the Manipuri Youth Front of Assam (MYFA) held a meeting at Gosai Mandop of Karmanga village as a part of their campaign to educate the people about the importance of their own language.
During the meeting, MYFA president Seram Herajit, AAMPAL vice president Ema Sanathoi, Ema Thaballei Devi and Memcha Singh shared the dais while Th Brojen and Ch Manikumar talked about the importance of Manipuri language. Inside Northeast spoke exclusively to Herajit over the issue of recognition of Manipuri as an official language.
“On the 6th June press conference by Himanta Biswa Sarma, he said Bengali language will be for Barak Valley as Bodo is for BTAD for Government jobs. But, there are many people who study in Manipuri medium schools and there’s also a Manipuri department in Assam University Silchar. What will be the future of these people in getting Government jobs ?”
It is estimated that Manipuris are spread across the State over 13 districts and predominantly in Barak Valley. They have a rich history with exchanges in the form of matrimony in times of Ahom Kingdom and during the reign of Dimasa Kings. The likes of Manipuri Youth Union are demanding the inclusion of the language over this historical claim as well. “We have a great historic tradition but still we are not recognised as an official language. Our history is much older than Bengali and then how did they get the recognition ? Just because of their better political numbers. We too are citizens of Assam”, said Herajit Singh.
Meanwhile talking at the meeting, Ema Sanathoina said that the Meira Paibi lup will extend their full co-operation and support in the movement spearheaded by MYFA for Manipuri language in Assam.
In his speech MYFA president said that “if the mother language of Manipuris does not survive in Assam then it will be of use for us to survive.
“If we remain silent at this moment then in future the identity and habitation of Manipuris of Assam will disappear and it will only remain in history”, the MYFA president added.
Thereafter, MYFA Joypur Rajabazar branch was formed in which Thangjam Brojend Singha selected as a president , Ch Mani kr Singha, vice president, Lourembam Surendra Singha, general secretary, S Prodip Kumar Singha, finance secretary and Ch Rajesh Singha, information and publicity along with 11 other executive members.
The newly elected president of MYFA Joypur Rajabazar Branch Thangjam Brojend Singha said the branch will extend their utmost support in the agitation for the inclusion of Manipuri language as an associate official language of Assam.
Inside NE