IMPHAL, Aug 2
Union of Association of Manipuri Writers has extended solidarity to the movement launched by Manipuri Youths Front of Assam (MYFA) and other frontal organisation in demand for inclusion of Manipuri Language as an official language of Assam.
Union of Association of Manipuri Writers, which is a conglomerate body of 28 association of writers of Manipur, has written to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind; Prime Minister, Narendra Modi; Assam's Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal; Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren; Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba and Governor, Najma Heptulla regarding the demand, said a statement of the union.
Manipuri language is an official language in India since its inclusion in the 8th Schedule by the 71st amendment of the Constitution in 1992 and the language has been a part of Assam since 15th Century with many Manipuris endorsing and preserving it, the statement said.
Since 1972, the language has been recognised by Sahitya Akademi and thus many awards have been conferred on many personalities actively involved in developing and preserving the language, it continued while adding that Assam is the second place where Manipuri language is widely spoken and used after Manipur.
Significantly, Manipuri subject has been taught in Manipur University and Assam University and colleges affiliated under the said universities, it continued.
Considering its cultural and historical significance and the grievances of Manipuris residing in Assam, the Assam Government should also consider to include the language as Associate Official Language, the union appealed.
The Government's failure to approve the language as the associate official language, has put the career of the Manipuri youths who had opted or are pursuing Manipuri subject, at risk since they have to compulsorily clear either Bengali, Assamese or Bodo as a local paper to qualify the Combined Competitive Examination conducted by Assam Public Service, the union said while appealing the Assam Government to consider the plight of the Manipuris residing in Assam and include the language as one of its associate official language.