Introduction of Bishnupriya Manipuri at primary level

IMPHAL, February 13: The student bodies of Manipuris residing in Manipur and Assam have strongly protested the Assam Government's recent order in connection with the introduction of Bishnupriya Manipuri language at primary level schools of Barak Valley districts. A joint meeting of the powerful All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), All Assam Manipuri Students Union (AAMSU) and Northeastern Students Committee (NESCOMI) was also held in this regard at AMSU headquarters here on Sunday evening. The meeting has protested the order of the Assam Government issued on February 7 allowing teaching of Bishnupriya Manipuri language at primary level in 150 LP schools of Barak Valley areas in southernmost part of Assam. The AMSU representatives said that they had urged the President of India as well Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to cancel the Assam Government's order immediately. At the same time the All Assam Manipuri Students Union (AAMSU) also faxed a representation to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Assam Prafulla Kumar Mahanta to revoke the government decision/ order in the interest of the Manipuris residing in the entire region.