Knowledge of Assamese must for working in Assam: Literary body

Assam Sahitya Sabha, the apex literary body of the state, has said anyone wanting to work in Assam must know Assamese or any of the local mother tongues.

The Sabha president warned that if they do not know the languages, they will not be allowed to work in the state, in both the public and private sectors.

The Assam Sahitya Sabha president Paramanda Rajbonghsi was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting here on Sunday.

"Right from the fourth grade to the topmost level, irrespective of being in private or government sector, people who are working in Assam must know Assamese or any of the local mother tongues", he said.

He, however, did not specify the local mother tongues spoken in the state, which is inhabited by 28 ethnic communities.

The Sabha president said at present, the indigenous people of Assam are going through a crisis with their identity and language under threat.

"The Assam Sahitya Sabha cannot allow the local mother tongues to die. We will not listen to anyone, anymore. This is a warning to all. Everyone must be careful", he said.

The Sabha chief also urged the Assam government to take steps on the issue and implement it.

The century-old organisation has been raising the issue of using Assamese language in the state and had asked government and private institutions, business establishments, financial institutions, to use the language on hoardings and nameplates.