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Meitei associate official language movement

Topic: Social

 From HandWiki - Reading time: 9 min
Further information: Meitei Language Day and Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation
Movement of Meitei language to be included as an associate official language of Assam
Meitei language written in Meitei script.svg
"Meitei Lon" (literally meaning "Meitei language"), written in Meitei script
English nameMovement of Meitei language to be included as an associate official language of Assam[lower-alpha 1]
Time2020 - 2021
Duration2020 - 2021
VenueNortheast India (predominantly from Assam, Manipur and Tripura)
LocationNortheast India (predominantly from Assam, Manipur and Tripura)
Also known as
  • Associate official language movement of Meitei language
  • Associate official language movement of Manipuri language
  • Meitei associate official language movement
  • Manipuri associate official language movement
  • Meitei language movement in Assam
  • Manipuri language movement in Assam
Typesocial movement
Theme
CauseExemption of all the candidates who do not appear the exams in either of the three mandatory languages, Assamese, Bodo or Bengali, without provisions of any alternative language, in job recruitments conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) of the Government of Assam (Assam Public Services Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019)
Target
  • Inclusion of Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri language) as an associate official language of the Government of Assam
    • Inclusion of Meitei language in the job recruitment exams conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Patron(s)
  • Government of Manipur
Organised by
  • Government of Manipur
  • All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU)[1]
  • Assam Manipuri Meira Paibi Lup[2]
  • Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad[3]
  • All Assam Manipuri Muslim Youth Front[4]
  • All Assam Manipuri Students Union (AAMSU)[5][6][7][8]
  • Guwahati Manipuri Coordination Committee (GMCC)[9]
  • Manipuri Youth Front of Assam (MYFA)[10][11][12]
  • Union of Association of Manipuri Writers[13]
  • Youth's Action Committee for Protection of Indigenous People (YACPIP)[14]
Participants
  • Leishemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha[15][16][17][18]
  • Nongthombam Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur[19][20]
  • Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha[21]

The social movement of Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri language) to be included as an associate official language of the Government of Assam is advocated by several literary, political, social associations and organisations as well as notable individual personalities of Northeast India (predominantly from Assam, Manipur and Tripura).[22]

During November 2021, the Government of Assam declared the removal of mandatoriness of any particular language in the job recruitment exams conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).[23][24]

Background

On 8 October 2020, Sarbananda Sonowal, the then Chief Minister of Assam, declared an announcement that the aspirants of the civil services from the Barak Valley who do not study either Assamese, Bodo or Bengali languages will not be allowed to appear in the qualifying language paper in the exams conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) CEE.[25][26]

The job recruitments conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) of the Government of Assam has made it mandatory for all the candidates to appear job exams only in Assamese, Bodo or Bengali without providing any alternative language for people who studied in other languages like Meitei language in Assam, starting from primary level to above.[27]

As some languages are made mandatory in the academics of Assam while Meitei language is not, in the near future, the disappearance of Meitei language in Assam will be the nearest possible outcome because students who do not choose the option for the mandatory languages in their educational careers are not allowed to appear in many Assam state government jobs. Due to such a law imposed by the Government of Assam, many students have hesitantly denied Meitei language medium in Assam.[28][29][30][31]

Efforts of socio-political leaders

During September 2020, Leishemba Sanajaoba, a Rajya Sabha MP of Manipur, urged Sarbananda Sonowal, the then Chief Minister of Assam, for the recognition of Meitei language as an 'associate' official language of Assam. According to him, with the recognition of Meitei language as an associate official language, the identity, history, culture and tradition of Manipuris residing in Assam could be protected and preserved. Earlier, Nongthombam Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, had discussed with the Chief Minister of Assam, about the matter on the inclusion of Meitei language in the list of subjects in the examinations conducted by Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).[32][33][34][35]

During December 2020, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, a Member of Parliament of Lok Sabha, sought attention of the House for the recognition of Meitei language as an associate official language of Assam. Highlighting about the bill passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly introducing Assamese language as a mandatory subject in all the educational institutions in Assam from Class I to X, Ranjan said that Meitei language should be declared as an associate official language of Assam in accordance to the "Article 347" of the Indian Constitution, which is a special provision for the recognition of a language spoken by a section of the population of a State to be officially recognised entirely or partially of the state.[36]

Public grievances and protests

During July 2020, the "Youth's Action Committee for Protection of Indigenous People" (YACPIP) and the "Manipuri Youth Front of Assam" (MYFA), Silchar, demanded the recognition of Meitei language as associate official language of Assam so as the Manipuri people can apply for jobs in their mother language.[37] The association sent a memorandum to the President of India through the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar. In the memorandum, they have stated that Meitei language is legitimate to be an associate official language in Assam, as there are 102 Meitei language medium schools recognised by Government of Assam and Meitei language is being taught in the schools since 1956 till present.[38][39][40]

During September 2020, the Guwahati Manipuri Coordination Committee (GMCC) submitted a memorandum to Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the inclusion of Meitei language in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) examinations.[41]

During October 2020, in reaction to the announcement of Assam Chief Minister, regarding the exemption of people, who do not study in either of the mandatory languages, from government job exams, various associations and organisations led by the "Manipuri Youths Front of Assam" (MYFA) burnt the effigy of Sarbananda Sonowal (the then Chief Minister) and Himanta Biswa Sarma (the then Education Minister). They demanded Meitei language to be declared as an associate official language in Assam.[42][43][44]

During September 2021, the Central Committee of the "All Assam Manipuri Students Union" (AAMSU) demanded that Meitei language should be included as one of the associate official languages of Assam in order to protect the language from getting disappeared.[45][46][47][48]

See also

  • Meitei nationalism

Notes

  1. ↑ The word "associate" is used instead of "associated" in most sources. So, the title of this article about the event is also named using the word "associate".

References

  1. ↑ "'Make Manipuri an associate official language of Assam' campaign continues; AMSU backs MYFA : 25th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=18..250720.jul20. "All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) has endorsed the movement carried out by Manipuris in Assam, demanding the recognition of Manipuri language as an associate official language of Assam." 
  2. ↑ Staff Correspondent (2010-09-15). "Stir to include Manipuri as associate official language in Assam" (in en). https://assamtribune.com/stir-to-include-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-assam. 
  3. ↑ "Demands to Include Manipuri Language in APSC Exams Raised" (in en). https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/demands-to-include-manipuri-language-in-apsc-exams-raised. 
  4. ↑ Staff Correspondent (2010-09-15). "Stir to include Manipuri as associate official language in Assam" (in en). https://assamtribune.com/stir-to-include-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-assam. 
  5. ↑ "Make Manipuri associate official language of Assam: AAMSU : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=39..220921.sep21. 
  6. ↑ "Manipuri language should be one of Assam’s associate official languages: AAMSU" (in en). https://www.ifp.co.in/9888/manipuri-language-should-be-one-of-assams-associate-official-languages-aamsu. 
  7. ↑ Webdesk, Time8 (2021-09-22). "AAMSU demands Associate Official Language status to Manipuri language" (in en-US). https://www.time8.in/aamsu-demands-associate-official-language-status-to-manipuri-language/. 
  8. ↑ "AAMSU for Associate Official Language status : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=7..220921.sep21. 
  9. ↑ "Demands to Include Manipuri Language in APSC Exams Raised" (in en). https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/demands-to-include-manipuri-language-in-apsc-exams-raised. 
  10. ↑ "Assam: Youth body demands recognition of Manipuri as associate official language" (in hi). 2020-07-01. http://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-youth-body-demands-recognition-manipuri-associate-official-language-404906-2020-07-01. 
  11. ↑ "Make Manipuri language official: MYFA : 14th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..140720.jul20. 
  12. ↑ "Recognise Manipuri language as Assam’s associate official language : MYFA" (in en). https://www.ifp.co.in/1239/recognise-manipuri-language-as-assams-associate-official-language-myfa. 
  13. ↑ "Union of Association of Manipuri Writers backs MYFA's movement : 03rd aug20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=15..030820.aug20. 
  14. ↑ "YACPIP appeals Assam Govt to include Manipuri Language as Associate official Language : 15th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=10..150720.jul20. 
  15. ↑ "Manipuri as associate official language in Assam Sanajaoba approaches Sonowal" (in en). https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/9/24/Manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-AssamSanajaoba-approaches-Sonowal-.html. 
  16. ↑ S, Vangamla Salle K. (2020-09-24). "Manipur titular king writes to CM Sonowal to recognise Manipuri language in Assam" (in en-US). http://www.eastmojo.com/news/2020/09/24/manipur-titular-king-writes-to-cm-sonowal-to-recognise-manipuri-language-in-assam/. 
  17. ↑ Desk, Sentinel Digital (2020-09-25). "Manipur's titular king Leishemba urges Assam CM to include Manipuri as an associate official language - Sentinelassam" (in en). https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/manipur/manipurs-titular-king-leishemba-urges-assam-cm-to-include-manipuri-as-an-associate-official-language-503365. 
  18. ↑ "MP Sanajaoba urges Assam CM to include Manipuri language as associate language of Assam | Pothashang News" (in en-GB). 2020-09-24. https://www.pothashang.in/2020/09/24/mp-sanajaoba-urges-assam-cm-to-include-manipuri-language-as-associate-language-of-assam/. 
  19. ↑ "Manipuri as associate official language in Assam Sanajaoba approaches Sonowal (About Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh)" (in en). https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/9/24/Manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-AssamSanajaoba-approaches-Sonowal-.html. "Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had discussed with his Assam counterpart on the inclusion of Manipuri language in the list of subjects in the examinations conducted by Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)." 
  20. ↑ S, Vangamla Salle K. (2020-09-24). "Manipur titular king writes to CM Sonowal to recognise Manipuri language in Assam (About Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh)" (in en-US). http://www.eastmojo.com/news/2020/09/24/manipur-titular-king-writes-to-cm-sonowal-to-recognise-manipuri-language-in-assam/. "Earlier, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh had discussed with his Assam counterpart for the inclusion of Manipuri language to the list of subjects in the examinations conducted by Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)." 
  21. ↑ "List Manipuri as associate official language in Assam: Ranjan in LS : 21st dec20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=8..211220.dec20. 
  22. ↑ Laithangbam, Iboyaima (2020-09-27). "Assam to look into demand to include Manipuri in list of associate languages" (in en-IN). The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/minister-to-look-into-demand-to-include-manipuri-in-the-list-of-associate-languages-of-assam/article32707194.ece. 
  23. ↑ Mukut Das (Nov 27, 2021). "Stir over withdrawal of mandatory Assamese paper from APSC exam | Guwahati News - Times of India" (in en). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/stir-over-withdrawal-of-mandatory-assamese-paper-from-apsc-exam/articleshow/87952473.cms. "Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after the cabinet meeting in Bongaigaon district on Wednesday, said earlier, knowledge of Assamese was mandatory for candidates to appear in the APSC exam. But this rule created confusion in the minds of students, who have studied in English medium schools. "The cabinet has taken the decision to withdraw the language paper for the test," he said." 
  24. ↑ "Assamese, Language Paper not Compulsory for APSC: CM Sarma - News Live" (in en-GB). 2021-11-25. https://newslivetv.com/assamese-language-paper-not-compulsory-for-apsc-cm-sarma/. "Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Sarma said that earlier knowing Assamese was mandatory for the candidates to appear in the APSC and ACS exams but it seems to create some confusion for the students of Assam who studied in English medium. Therefore, the state cabinet has taken the decision to withdraw the language paper for the test conducted for APSC and ACS, he said." 
  25. ↑ Today, North East (2020-10-09). "Manipuri Bodies Burn Effigies of CM Sonowal, Himanta Biswa; Demands Manipuri as Associate Official Language" (in en-US). https://www.northeasttoday.in/2020/10/09/manipuri-bodies-burn-effigies-of-cm-sonowal-himanta-biswa-demands-manipuri-as-associate-official-language/. 
  26. ↑ "Manipuri Bodies Demand Manipuri As Associate Official Language In Assam | East Turn News" (in en-US). 2020-10-09. https://eastturn.in/manipuri-bodies-demand-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-assam/. 
  27. ↑ "List Manipuri as associate official language in Assam: Ranjan in LS : 21st dec20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=8..211220.dec20. 
  28. ↑ "Make Manipuri associate official language of Assam: AAMSU : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=39..220921.sep21. 
  29. ↑ "Manipuri language should be one of Assam’s associate official languages: AAMSU" (in en). https://www.ifp.co.in/9888/manipuri-language-should-be-one-of-assams-associate-official-languages-aamsu. 
  30. ↑ Webdesk, Time8 (2021-09-22). "AAMSU demands Associate Official Language status to Manipuri language" (in en-US). https://www.time8.in/aamsu-demands-associate-official-language-status-to-manipuri-language/. 
  31. ↑ "Assam: Youth body demands recognition of Manipuri as associate official language" (in hi). 2020-07-01. http://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-youth-body-demands-recognition-manipuri-associate-official-language-404906-2020-07-01. 
  32. ↑ "Manipuri as associate official language in Assam Sanajaoba approaches Sonowal" (in en). https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/9/24/Manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-AssamSanajaoba-approaches-Sonowal-.html. 
  33. ↑ S, Vangamla Salle K (2020-09-24). "Manipur titular king writes to CM Sonowal to recognise Manipuri language in Assam" (in en-US). EastMojo. https://www.eastmojo.com/news/2020/09/24/manipur-titular-king-writes-to-cm-sonowal-to-recognise-manipuri-language-in-assam/. 
  34. ↑ Desk, Sentinel Digital (2020-09-25). "Manipur's titular king Leishemba urges Assam CM to include Manipuri as an associate official language - Sentinelassam" (in en). https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/manipur/manipurs-titular-king-leishemba-urges-assam-cm-to-include-manipuri-as-an-associate-official-language-503365. 
  35. ↑ "MP Sanajaoba urges Assam CM to include Manipuri language as associate language of Assam | Pothashang News" (in en-GB). 2020-09-24. https://www.pothashang.in/2020/09/24/mp-sanajaoba-urges-assam-cm-to-include-manipuri-language-as-associate-language-of-assam/. 
  36. ↑ "List Manipuri as associate official language in Assam: Ranjan in LS : 21st dec20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=8..211220.dec20. 
  37. ↑ "YACPIP appeals Assam Govt to include Manipuri Language as Associate official Language : 15th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=10..150720.jul20. 
  38. ↑ "Assam: Youth body demands recognition of Manipuri as associate official language" (in hi). 2020-07-01. http://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-youth-body-demands-recognition-manipuri-associate-official-language-404906-2020-07-01. 
  39. ↑ "Make Manipuri language official: MYFA : 14th jul20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..140720.jul20. 
  40. ↑ "Recognise Manipuri language as Assam’s associate official language : MYFA" (in en). https://www.ifp.co.in/1239/recognise-manipuri-language-as-assams-associate-official-language-myfa. 
  41. ↑ "Demands to Include Manipuri Language in APSC Exams Raised" (in en). https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/demands-to-include-manipuri-language-in-apsc-exams-raised. 
  42. ↑ "Manipuri Bodies in Assam Burn Effigies of Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa" (in en). https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/manipuri-bodies-in-assam-burn-effigy-of-sarbananda-sonowal-and-himanta-biswa. 
  43. ↑ Today, North East (2020-10-09). "Manipuri Bodies Burn Effigies of CM Sonowal, Himanta Biswa; Demands Manipuri as Associate Official Language" (in en-US). https://www.northeasttoday.in/2020/10/09/manipuri-bodies-burn-effigies-of-cm-sonowal-himanta-biswa-demands-manipuri-as-associate-official-language/. 
  44. ↑ "Manipuri Bodies Demand Manipuri As Associate Official Language In Assam | East Turn News" (in en-US). 2020-10-09. https://eastturn.in/manipuri-bodies-demand-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-assam/. 
  45. ↑ "Make Manipuri associate official language of Assam: AAMSU : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=39..220921.sep21. 
  46. ↑ "Manipuri language should be one of Assam’s associate official languages: AAMSU" (in en). https://www.ifp.co.in/9888/manipuri-language-should-be-one-of-assams-associate-official-languages-aamsu. 
  47. ↑ Webdesk, Time8 (2021-09-22). "AAMSU demands Associate Official Language status to Manipuri language" (in en-US). https://www.time8.in/aamsu-demands-associate-official-language-status-to-manipuri-language/. 
  48. ↑ "AAMSU for Associate Official Language status : 22nd sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=7..220921.sep21. 

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