Body pitches for upgrade of Manipuri language
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 19 2022: Exerting pressure on the department concerned for sending the required recommendation to the central government for recognition of Manipuri language as one of the classical languages of the country, Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak cautioned of launching agitation if the authorities do not respond positively and act accordingly within a week's time.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday, WAMA president Moirangthem Naokhom ba pointed out that Manipuri language fulfils all the criteria to be classified as a classical language.

The apprehension over the possible decadence of Manipuri language will be addressed to a great extent if it is included in the list of classical languages of the country.

Moreover, the issue of inclusion and use of foreign words in Manipuri language will be resolved, he maintained,'while adding that the central government will eventually promote and protect the language once it is included in the list of classical languages.

Recalling that Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba brought up the issue in the Parliament in September 2020, Naokhomba said that as there are reports of positive response from the central government to the demand, it is unfortunate that the state government and its department concerned have not sent any documents to the centre to validate that Manipuri language has all the criteria of becoming a classical language.

Such negligence cannot be considered lightly, he added.

He further urged department concerned, particularly Department of Language Planning and Implementation to take up necessary initiative for sending the recommendation within a week.

The director of the department should be removed if he/she fails to send the recommendation within the stipulated time.

Moreover, intense protest will be launched, he cautioned.

It may be mentioned that there are six recognised Indian classical languages namely Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Kan-nada, Malayalam and Odia.

In order to recognise as a classical language, the language should be at least 1,500 to 2,000 years old and should be known/spoken by at least three communities among others.

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