AAMSU’s 1989 Rally: Advocating for Manipuri Rights in Guwahati, Assam

Introduction:

In 1989, the All Assam Manipuri Students Union (AAMSU) organized a historic rally in Guwahati, Assam. The rally was a significant demonstration of the Manipuri community’s resolve to address two pressing issues:

1. The Bishnupriya issue, which posed a threat to the Manipuri identity.
2. The demand for the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Rally Overview:

• Date: 1989
• Route: The rally began at Chandmari, passed through Manipuri Basti, and concluded at the DC Office in Guwahati, Assam.
• Purpose: The rally aimed to draw attention to the Manipuri community’s demand for the recognition and protection of their linguistic and cultural identity. AAMSU, along with a large number of supporters, marched through the streets of Guwahati to advocate for the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule and to protest the Bishnupriya issue.

Key Demands:

1. Inclusion of Manipuri Language in the 8th Schedule:
   • Objective: The primary demand was to ensure that the Manipuri language received official recognition and support from the central government by including it in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
   • Significance: Inclusion in the 8th Schedule would provide the Manipuri language with the status of a recognized language, ensuring its promotion, preservation, and use in government communication, education, and cultural activities.
2. Addressing the Bishnupriya Issue:
   • Concern: The Bishnupriya issue involved the use of the term “Bishnupriya Manipuri,” which was seen as an encroachment on the Manipuri identity. The Manipuri community strongly opposed this terminology, which they believed diluted their cultural and linguistic identity.
   • Action: Through the rally, AAMSU aimed to bring this issue to the forefront and demand that the government take steps to resolve it in favor of preserving the Manipuri identity.

Rally Highlights:

• Unity and Participation:
  • A large number of Manipuri people, including students, community leaders, and activists, participated in the rally. The event demonstrated the unity and determination of the Manipuri community in Assam.
  • The route from Chandmari to the DC Office, via Manipuri Basti, was lined with supporters who joined the march, reflecting the widespread support for the cause.
• Memorandum Submission:
  • Upon reaching the DC Office, AAMSU leaders submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner. The memorandum outlined the community’s demands and called for immediate action from the government.
  • The peaceful yet powerful demonstration aimed to pressurize the authorities to recognize the urgency of the issues and to take steps towards fulfilling the community’s demands.

Impact of the Rally:

• Public Awareness: The rally succeeded in raising public awareness about the Bishnupriya issue and the importance of including the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule.
• Government Attention: The demonstration sent a strong message to the government about the Manipuri community’s resolve to protect their identity and linguistic rights.
• Community Solidarity: The rally fostered a sense of unity and solidarity among the Manipuri people, reinforcing their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.

Conclusion:

The 1989 rally organized by AAMSU in Guwahati was a landmark event in the Manipuri community’s struggle for recognition and rights. By marching through the heart of Assam’s capital, AAMSU and its supporters made a bold statement about their determination to address the Bishnupriya issue and secure the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule. The rally remains a significant chapter in the history of AAMSU’s advocacy for the Manipuri community in Assam.