GUWAHATI: The Assam government has proposed to recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in four districts of the state, including three in the Barak Valley and Hojai in central Assam.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika presented the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during the Autumn Session in the state Assembly on Thursday on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also oversees the Home and Political Department.
The bill seeks to officially recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai.
Chief Minister Sarma, in the Statement of Objects and Reasons accompanying the bill, emphasized the significant presence of Manipuri-speaking communities in these regions.
The chief minister said that there has been a longstanding demand from these communities for the official recognition of their language.
The bill proposes the addition of a new Section 5B to the Assam Official Language Act, 1960, to formalize this recognition.
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Taking to social media, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh wrote, “I highly appreciate Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri @himantabiswa ji for the proposal to make “Manipuri” as the Associate Official Language in three districts of Barak Valley along with Hojai in Assam. This decision will be a significant step towards the preservation & protection of the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Manipuris in the state of Assam.”
CM Sarma said that the wonderful Manipuri community is an integral part of Assam’s rich plurality. “We are committed to preserving our shared heritage,” he said.
