Imphal, February 27: Close on the heels of Gangte Welfare Association, New Delhi submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh for inclusion of Gangte literature as one of the major Indian Language (MIL) All Gangte Students' Association, Manipur has also endorsed the move and urged for introduction of the said literature under the curriculum of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur with immediate effect.

The Gangte Welfare Association had called on the Chief Minister during his New Delhi visit in December 2003.In a representation submitted to the BSEM Chairman/Secretary the Gangte Students' Association highlighting significant presence of Gangte population in the States of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram and Meghalaya mooted that introduction of the literature is essential to develop the language.

Elaborating on the demand, the Student body said Gangte population as per 2001 census has crossed the 15,000 mark and in order to preserve the distinct culture, tradition and literature introduction of the literature in the Board curriculum will only not only supplement preservation and development of the language but will also minimize chances of feeling of marginalization to crop up.

The Gangte language can be traced back to thousands of years although the written form is not even hundred year old, mentioned the memo, while referring to publication of Zingsol Magazine in 1952 as a benchmark towards the promotion and development of the Gangte language.

The tribe needs help and cooperation from the Government for the development of its literature, insisted the Gangte body.

While appreciating the State Government's initiative in promoting tribal dialects of Manipur the Student Association lamented that inclusion of a few selected dialects under BSEM syllabus such as Tangkhul, Thadou-Kuki, Hmar, Paite, Mizo, Zou etc has become a sort of 'imposition' for the unfortunate rest, especially the Gangtes whose literature has been duly recognized by Indian Union as one of the tribe.

The memorandum to the BSEM also included an enclosed letter from Manipur University Students' Union strongly favoring introduction of the Gangte literature so as to promote, preserve and develop the language besides upholding the goal of justice and equality as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

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