Imphal, April 16: Blaming the Government for the current imbroglio over the Meetei Mayek implementation agitation, International peace and Social Advancement said had the State authorities addressed the issue in time destruction of public property could have been averted.

Detailing advent of replacement of the indigenous script by Bengali script about 300 years back and apparent negligence of Meetei Mayek by both the previous and present Government IPSA also observed that any issue of public importance should be pursued in consultation with social bodies, intellectual circle and the general public so as to attain goal of the cause.

It also strongly condemned self righteous attitude projected by concerned organisation on any issue through imposition of bandh, blockade and act of vandalism at will without respecting the sentiment of the general public who are made to suffer the most of such agitation.

Appealing to agitation spearheads to abstain from targeting public property the IPSA also highlighted the MEELAL on futility of aggressive posture on demand for immediate implementation of Meetei Mayek script in the school curriculum as classes in both Government and private institutions had already commenced and several subjects of Manipuri medium are yet to be transcribed into Meetei Mayek.

Under such prevailing circumstances retrospection is needed on the mode of agitation and should be in compliance with the existing scenario, observed IPSA while suggesting that the Government initiate all possible action for gradual introduction of Meetei Mayek from the primary to the University level.

Formation of an expert panel immediately to supervise transcription of Bengali script text books into Meetei Mayek and ensure availability of the same at the earliest, orientation courses for teachers to enhance expertise in Meetei Mayek and withdrawal of Bengali text books from class I-II with immediate effect, are some of the other suggestions expressed by IPSA.

Comment