Government urged to introduce 13 ‘deprived’ Naga languages in secondary level
Kohima, July 23 (MExN): A consultative meeting of the Literature Boards/Committees of 13 recognized languages, namely Rengma, Pochury, Kuki, Zeme, Liangmai, Phom, Kuzha, Sangtam, Chokri, Konyak, Chang, Yimchunger, and Khiamnuingan, was held on July 21 at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima.
The meeting led to the formation of Association of Naga Literature Boards (ANLB). A press release from ANLB Joint Secretary, Dr. Z. Venuh informed that the Association will endeavor to take up issues pertaining to development of mother-tongue of all groups and for redress of grievances of the literature boards/committees representing the thirteen linguistic/dialect groups. Among the many agendas discussed, every member present expressed concern on the “apathy and step-motherly treatment” shown by the government in refusing to grant permission for the thirteen languages to be taught and studied at the secondary level, the release said. The meeting resolved to demand the government to grant permission to introduce the thirteen languages in Class IX & X without delay.
The meeting further observed that serious deliberation on the matter needs to be made by the State Legislative Assembly, and to effect necessary legislation so that no linguistic/dialect group is deprived of its right to teach, promote and propagate the mother-tongue. It also resolved to demand the government to create Language-Teachers position for the “deprived” thirteen languages too. The Association further appealed to the general public, leaders and frontal organizations of the thirteen languages to lend support for the Association to achieve its goals.
ANLB was formed with the following officer bearers: President - Dr. D. Kapfo; Vice Presidents - Bangjung Chang & Zerüsie Pochury; General Secretary - S. Keppen Rengma; Jt. Secretaries - Dr. Z. Venuh and Bongshen Phom; Finance Secretary - Vongsathong Yimchunger; Treasurer - Panleu Zeliang; Press & Info. Secretary - L. Chongloi Kuki; Assistant Press & Information Secretary - T. Yangliba Sangtam; Advisors - S. Chonta Khiamnuingan (Legal) & Tingshen Konyak; and Chairman of all literature boards/committees - Executive Members.
