Manipur: Students urge for Tangkhul language dept in DM University

Imphal: The Tangkhul student body has appealed to the state government to set up a department of Tangkhul language and literature, so that students studying at DM University who have opted for Modern Indian Languages (MIL) communication, Tangkhul may avail the required classes.

In a memorandum submitted to education minister S Rajen Singh, the Dhanamanjuri University Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (DUTKLI) also urged for engagement of regular teaching faculty for teaching Tangkhul at the university.

Earlier, in an attempt to safeguard tribal languages and literature in the state, the state government issued a notification to all the BA 1st semester honours students studying at DM University that they could pick MIL communication which includes Manipuri, Thadou Kuki, Hmar, Paite, Mizo and Tangkhul with the honours subject.

The student body thanked Chief Minister N Biren Singh and education minister Rajen for the creation of the MIL Tangkhul option at the DM University.

According to Zimik, the education minister also confirmed that the Pettigrew College-the oldest and only government-run college in the Ukhrul district-will be clubbed with the DM University as a constituent college to provide quality higher education to the students. The Pettigrew College was established in 1965.

At present, the DM University consists of five constituent colleges: DM College of Arts, DM College of Science, DM College of Commerce, GP Women’s College and LMS Law College in Imphal.

The minister also assured that the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) would be introduced in Pettigrew College as early as possible.

Also, the minister, according to Zimik, has assured the students that 19 tribal dialects in the state will be made available for study as an optional paper in the University. Preparations have been initiated to bring the matter to the Cabinet meeting for approval.

“We hope that the present government will implement the assurances which will imbue the students with positive learning attitudes, holistic development in terms of knowledge and skills for the future. It will inculcate the right values as well among students,” added Zimik.