MEELAL decries non-use of Meetei Mayek in banners and hoardings
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 19 2026: Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (Meelal), Kangleipak has expressed strong resentment over the non-use of Meetei Mayek in signboards, banners and hoardings in the State despite repeated agreements.

In a press release issued-today, Meelal said as per agreement, Meetei Mayek should be written prominently on top and occupy two-thirds of the space, with other scripts below.

Although flex printers had agreed to follow the norm, a recent inspection by Meelal volunteers across districts found many banners and signboards without Meetei Mayek.

The organisation said it had brought the matter to the notice of advertisers and held discussions.

It lamented that during the recently held "Seya Sankalp Abhiyan", no regard was given to the local language and script despite the Government's public claim of love for Manipuri language on International Mother Language Day.

Meelal said when contacted, concerned departments said no permission was given to put banners without local script except those made by them, anb District DCs also clarified they had not permitted such banners.

Meelal also demanded that the organisers of the State Level Celebration of World Pharmacist Day/National Pharmacy Week-2026 held on October 19 issue a public clarification for failing to use the local script in the banner.

Recalling that the Government had allowed teaching of Meetei Mayek in schools in 1980 through Gazette notification, Meelal said after its intense agitation in 2005, the script has revived and scholars have even completed PhD in it.

Meelal also demanded that all private and Government institutions in the valley should display their name plates with Meetei Mayek prominently on top within one year.

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