Bishnupriya Manipuri conclave resolves over slew of demands

Special Correspondent

Silchar, Sept 23: The annual conference of Bishnupriya Manipuri Language Teaching Training Diploma Holders Association concluded on Thursday in the District Library auditorium here. A slew of demands of the organization came in for discussions and deliberations as well as resolutions. Among the demands included creation of 300 new posts of the Bishnupriya Manipuri language teachers at the LP and upper primary levels in different schools of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi. This would be a step forward to give effect to the state government notification of 1999 and facilitate the learning of the primary stage students of the community and at the same time pave the way for the appointment of Bishnupriya Manipuri teaching training diploma holders.

It was also agreed upon that the state government should take steps without delay for the preparation and publication of text books in Bishnupriya Manipuri language. Samarjit Sinha, president of the Cachar unit of the Association, said since 2012 they have been pressing their demands through memorandum, rallies, protest demonstrations as well as holding hunger strike before the State Secretariat at Dispur on March 7 of the year. Besides, following democratic agitation at different stages, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Education, assured them of fulfilling their just and legitimate demands. Ultimately, in 2015, the state government conceded the demands.

From the platform of this conference, voice has been raised in unison for implementation of the commitment made by the state government. The occasion was taken to express the gratitude of the Association to the primary educational officers, authorities at the block levels, office assistants and the head masters of different schools of the three districts of Barak Valley for extending their support and cooperation to carry forward the demands to its conclusive ends. In order further to create pressure on the state, a memorandum signed by the assembly present in the auditorium was submitted to the Deputy Commissioners of the three districts for its onward transmission to the Minister of Education.

The conference however did not miss to express its thankfulness to the Education Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for sending letter of good wishes for the success of the conclave. The Association expressed its displeasure at the attempts by some vested interests and organizations to tarnish the fair image of Gopidas Sinha, chief advisor of the Association, by giving out distorted and motivated press statements. Such exercises were condemned as baseless and fabricated. Gopidas Sinha without being detered by such propaganda advised the youths and students to study with all dedication and remain committed to work for the welfare of the community and the society.

Kabindra Purkayastha, former union minister and distinguished BJP leader, speaking as chief-guest extended all support to their charter of demands and at the same time said he was always available for offering guidance and suggestions. A copy of the memorandum was also handed over to him for his perusal and consideration. A new central executive committee of the Association was formed at the conference which selected Samarjit Sinha as president, Sebabati Sinha and Bimal Sinha as vice-presidents, of Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj. Similarly, Bijen Sinha and Veer Kumar Sinha were selected as general secretaries. Along with that 9 other members were taken of the executive committee. Rajkumar Anilkrishana, chief advisor of Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Students’ Union, presided over the open session which was graced by a host of leaders and members of different organizations of the community.

Source: The Sentinel