The Assam Cabinet approved the recognition of Manipuri as an associate official language in four districts by amending the Assam Official Language Act of 1960.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the cabinet has endorsed the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill of 2024, which aims to acknowledge the Manipuri language in Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai districts.

Sarma shared the decision via a post on X, stating, "In today’s meeting of the Assam Cabinet, we took several historic decisions, including the inclusion of Manipuri as an associate official language in 4 districts."

"The decision, made during a late-night cabinet meeting, aims to safeguard, uphold, and foster the cultural, social, and linguistic heritage of the Manipuri community residing in Assam," stated Sarma.

The cabinet decision stated, "The Bill proposes an amendment to the Assam Official Language Act of 1960 by introducing a new Section 5B, which will recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in the four designated districts."

The cabinet decision further elaborated, "The move is geared towards the protection, preservation, and promotion of the cultural, social, and linguistic identity and heritage of the Manipuri population residing in Assam."

The cabinet also approved the introduction of primary education in six tribal languages – Mising, Rabha, Karbi, Tiwa, Deori, and Dimasa. CM Sarma emphasized that the restructuring of the education system aligns with the provisions outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020, aiming to safeguard the interests of tribal communities.

"This decision will provide students from tribal communities the opportunity to learn their native language at the school level," stated Sarma.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh commended Sarma for the decision, expressing gratitude on X by saying, “Many thanks, Himanta ji, for including Manipuri as an associate official language in 4 districts of Assam. Your recognition and trust in the Manipuris are highly appreciated.”

Three of the four districts in Barak Valley, Assam, where Manipuri will be the official associate language are predominantly Bengali-speaking. Socio-political organizations in the region, including Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan, welcomed the decision. However, they also seek recognition of Bengali as the state's associate official language, considering it's the second most spoken language in Assam, with 28% of the population speaking it according to the 2011 census.

Manipur organizations in Barak Valley celebrated by distributing sweets and offering special pujas in temples. Chief advisor of AAMSU, Kamalakanta Singha, stated that they have been demanding recognition since 1991 and are now celebrating the government's decision. According to Singha, the Manipuri-speaking population in Assam, which exceeds 300,000, is concentrated mainly in Cachar, Hailakandi, and Hojai districts.

Image source: Hindustan Times