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

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 make education the people about the importance of their own 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?"

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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 the Manipuri language in Assam.

In the speech MYFA President said that if the mother language of Manipuris has not survived in Assam then it will be ineffective for us to survive.

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