Indigenous Peoples Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2019: Appealing the State Government to make sincere efforts for the inclusion of Meitei Mayek in the Indian currency, Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Singpanglup (AIMS) has also called for the protection of the Manipuri language.

Speaking to The Sangai Express on the sidelines of a candle lighting ceremony organized by AIMS in front of Kangla Western Gate tonight as part of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2019, the president of the students' organization, Khumbujam Romen conveyed that this year's theme for the celebration was 'Indigenous Languages'.

Further pointing out that Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule many years back, he lamented that Meitei Mayek has not been included in the Indian currency note till date, even after the introduction of new currency notes and the inclusion of 14 Indian languages which are in the 8th Schedule.

He then appealed the State Government to make sincere efforts to include Meitei Mayek in the Indian currency notes and to do the needful.

Observing that preservation and protection of cultures, identities, languages, traditions and other values of the indigenous communities residing in Manipur is vital in taking the State forward, the president urged all the indigenous communities of the State to collectively strive towards preserving the Manipuri language, which is the lingua franca of the State, in addition to trying to protect their identities, cultures and traditions.

He decried that many youth belonging to the present generation ignore their own cultures, traditions and other values which in return has resulted in the disappearance of good conduct and mannerism, leading to occurrence of many unwanted incidents in the society.

The president also demanded the State Government to deliver justice in the mysterious death of Ningthoujam Babysana at the earliest.

It is worth mentioning that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2019 is being celebrated today across the globe under the theme 'Indigenous Languages' and this day emphasizes on indigenous languages around the world.

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