Let's stop usage of Bengali script: MDA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 07 2022: Demanding Amar Bengali to withdraw the PIL filed in the Supreme Court; Manipur Democratic Alliance (MDA) convenor M Tombi has urged all concerned to take a collective decision on stopping usage of Bengali script in Manipur, if the suit is not withdrawn.

Addressing a press meet held at Shiv Sena office, Babupara here on Friday, Tombi said that the PIL filed by Amar Bengali in the Supreme Court requesting the Bengali Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873 to be quashed is nothing but a blatant disrespect towards the people of Manipur.

The disrespect could be attributed to the usage of Bengali script in the state, he opined.

Questioning the hidden motives of Amar Bengal Sansthan, the convenor urged the people of the state to stop usage of Bengali script from February onwards if the case is not withdrawn, considering Manipur has its own script.

In this regard, MDA would be carrying out a signature campaign to ban Bengali script in Manipur from February, he informed, while adding that the Alliance would extend full support if the central and state governments were to take necessary action in the matter.

Contending that the BEFR Act, 1873 was enacted with the aim of protecting the small indigenous population of the northeastern region; Tombi recounted that the BJP government agreed to the implementation of ILPS in Manipur 2 years ago.

However, without even knowing the history of Manipur, Amar Bengali has appealed for removal of ILPS, which is simply challenging the people of the state.

As such, one can only suspect if it is an attempt by Bengalis to overtake the indigenes of Manipur just as they had done to Tripura, he remarked.

The press meet was also attended by Manipur People's Council general secretary Gov-inda Sharma, MDA co-convenor Kh Khogendro'and Aam Aadmi State Unit president Th Manihar.

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