Dimapur, May 11 (EMN): Thirteen literature boards in the state are seeking permission from the Nagaland government to teach and study their respective ‘recognised language’ (mother tongue) at the secondary level.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the Association of Nagaland Literature Boards—comprising 13 literature boards—informed that the decision was taken during its annual general meeting at Kohima on May 10.
The thirteen ‘recognised languages’, it stated, were Rengma, Pochury, Kuki, Zeme, Liangmai, Phom, Kuzha, Yimchunger, Sangtam, Konyak, Chang, Chokri and Khiamnuingan. It expressed resentment at the government’s “apathy and step-motherly treatment” towards the thirteen languages.
“In this regard, the association decided to convene another meeting with tribal (sic) hohos and student bodies of the thirteen languages to work together and see that the demand is considered. The house observed that serious deliberation on the matter needs to be made by the Legislative Assembly and to effect necessary legislation so that no linguistic/dialect group in deprived of its right to teach and study and promote and propagate the mother tongue,” it stated.
The boards also resolved to demand the government to create teachers’ posts for the 13 languages.
