Manipur students renew textbook translation demand, citing unspent Rs 18 crore fund

Imphal: Students renewed their agitation, demanding the translation of school and college textbooks into the Manipuri language, following the central government’s allocation of Rs 18 crore for the preservation and promotion of the Manipuri language and script.

The agitation took the form of human chains at key routes in Imphal East district, organised under the aegis of the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) on Wednesday.

The protesters held placards and shouted slogans such as “Respect Manipuri Language, Respect Manipur,” “Promote Our Script, Preserve Our Identity,” and “Education in Mother Tongue is Our Right.”

MSF General Secretary Sundar Khuman said that students in the state continue to rely on textbooks written in other languages, which alienates them from their roots and creates barriers to effective learning.

MSF had submitted a memorandum to the governor on May 12, 2025, urging an immediate review of educational materials to promote the Manipuri language, which is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The protesting students called on government authorities to take immediate steps to publish and make available textbooks and reference books in the Manipuri language.

Additionally, in August 2024, the central government allocated Rs 18 crore as the first instalment to the Government of Manipur specifically for the preservation and promotion of the Manipuri language and script.