Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has conveyed his thanks to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for officially declaring Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in Assam. This development, formalized through the Assam Official Language Amendment Bill, 2024, is set to enhance the status of Manipuri in Assam, particularly benefiting the Manipuri-speaking community in the Barak Valley.
In a phone conversation with Sarma, Singh highlighted the importance of this move for the preservation and promotion of Manipuri language and culture. He praised the decision as a significant step towards ensuring that Manipuri-speaking residents in Assam will soon be able to participate in various exams and official processes in their native language.
Sarma reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Manipuri community, emphasizing the shared values and connections between different communities across states. He assured that the Assam government is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunities for all communities.
The bill, introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika, grants Manipuri the status of Associate Official Language alongside Assamese in the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj, and Hojai. This historic decision reflects the Assam government’s dedication to recognizing and preserving the diverse cultural and linguistic heritage of its population.