Manipur CM dismisses tribal council's ban on Meitei script, asserts state authority

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh rejected the recent directive to ban Meitei Mayek script in schools, emphasising that the state is governed by the government, not by organisations.

The statement came in response to questions about the Hill Tribal Council's (HTC) education department's recent order to remove Manipuri/Meitei Mayek subject from school syllabi in Moreh town, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year.

"There are many organisations. Hill Tribal Council and blah blah…we don't care. We take seriously those recognised organisations. The state is governed by government, not by any individual," Singh said during a media interaction.

The HTC's directive suggested students choose alternative Modern Indian Languages including Hindi, English, Mizo, Thadou, Hmar, Zou, Maring, Anal, Vaiphei, Paite, or Gangte.

Speaking on Manipur's 54th Statehood Day, Singh thanked national leaders for their wishes and expressed hope for peace in the state. He called upon all communities to contribute towards restoring normalcy in the region.