Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh expressed disapproval of the non-inclusion of Manipuri as a classical language of India, urging the authorities to clarify the reason for its exclusion.
The Union Cabinet, on October 3 approved classical language status for five Indian languages - Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.
It must be mentioned that the language did not get selected despite the fact that Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament from Manipur had been urging the inclusion and had also raised the matter at the Parliament.
Meanwhile, Manipur Congress MLAs also strongly reacted to the decision.
Okram Ibobi Singh expressed that the party is happy with the addition of five other languages, further expressing that he would be more grateful had Manipuri language also get such recognition.
Ibobi said that he believes the language fulfills all the criteria needed for inclusion as a classical language as it has its own script and history.
He also urged the authorities concerned to clarify the reason for the lack of recognition of the Manipuri language as a classical language. The state will consider it a complete betrayal if Manipuri fulfills all the criteria required to attain the status of a classical language.
Meanwhile, MP Sanajaoba expressed his determination to continue advocating for Manipuri's inclusion. "I will keep trying my level best to include my mother language in the status of Classical till my last day of Tenure," he stated, urging cooperation from all concerned parties.
