ASS sets ultimatum for implementation of Asamesse language

Guwahati, Jan 09 (UNI) The Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS), state's apex literary body, today set an deadline of April 14 to the government for complete implementation of the Official Languages Act failing which it will launch a total non-cooperation movement.

Addressing a press conference here, ASS president Kanaksen Deka said, ''We have met Chief Secretary Prafulla Sarmah yesterday and informed him that if Assamese language is not used and popularised extensively by the government, we will launch on non-cooperation from April 15.'' The literary body had been spearheading a movement for extensive use of Assamese, particularly by the government.

They had also tried to take out a procession in the city on Monday but were arrested and released later.

Mr Deka also informed that an ASS delegation would meet Mr Sarmah on the first of every month from February till April for appraisal on steps taken by the administration on the Act. ''The government generally tells the people to abide by a law but here the people are telling the government to implement a law,'' he added.

The ASS will also meet the Chief Minister and Education minister for making Assamese a compulsory language in primary level education in the state.

Mr Deka futher said, ''Assamese, being the official language of the state, should be the first language in public places and the local language can follow.'' UNI SG PP KLC1742