Imphal, August 23 — Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has warmly commended Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for the recent legislative proposal to recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in several districts of Assam. Singh expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring the significance of this gesture for the Manipuri-speaking population in Assam.
Singh stated, “The move to recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in Assam’s Barak Valley and Hojai districts is a vital step for the preservation and promotion of our cultural and linguistic heritage.”
On August 22, Assam’s government introduced The Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024, presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika. This bill seeks to officially recognize Manipuri in the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai, acknowledging the substantial Manipuri-speaking population in these regions.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized in his Statement of Objects and Reasons that the amendment responds to the long-standing demand from local communities for official language status, reflecting Assam’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its linguistic diversity.
This proposal builds on the Assam cabinet’s decision earlier this year to support Manipuri’s associate status, aiming to reinforce the cultural bonds between Assam and Manipur and promote greater respect for Manipuri heritage within Assam.