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Manipuri students slam Assam govt�s �discriminatory attitude�

By The Assam Tribune

GUWAHATI, July 18 - The All Assam Manipuri Students� Union (AAMSU) has expressed anguish over the �discriminatory attitude� of the Assam government towards minority Manipuri candidates in the name of Manipuri-medium background while conducting job-related examinations and appointments, stated a press release.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the Cachar Deputy Commissioner, the AAMSU said Manipuri people settled in Assam since the 16th century during the reign of Swargadeo Suhungmung, and have contributed to the development of the State in every aspect.

It said that a decision taken in 2019 by the Assam government stripped Manipuri youths of their right to jobs. As per the Assam Public Service Commission (Amendment) Rules, 2019, job applicants will have to qualify in either Assamese or Bengali or Bodo languages which has created problems for Manipuri youths who have studied in Manipuri medium. The AAMSU said this tantamounts to gross injustice to Manipuri youths, but candidates from Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts are exempted on the ground that they had not studied these languages in schools.

The AAMSU stated that Manipuri is a listed language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India, and is recognised by the Sahitya Akademi.

The students� body has demanded Manipuri language in all written examinations conducted by the Government of Assam, including competitive examinations conducted by APSC and in various job recruitment by any agency including banks and India Post.

It also demanded declaration of Manipuri as one of the associate official languages of Assam, creation of a permanent policy for protection and promotion of Manipuri-medium schools in Assam.

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