Assam Speaker initiates steps for 'Assamese' definition

Reacting on AIUDF MLA Aminul Islan's remarks on absence of a proper definition of Assamese, Assam Assembly Speaker Pranab Kumar Gogoi today noted that he would hold discussions with all stakeholders to arrive at the definition.
"This is a very serious issue. During this session, I will discuss it with all parties, different communities and tribes, socio-cultural groups and if necessary will take help of the government. We all want to have the definition of Assamese and the Assamese society," Gogoi said in the House.
All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islan had sought to raise the issue after Assam Accord implementation minister Bhumidhar Barman's statement in the House yesterday that there is no available proper definition of an Assamese.

"We are at a juncture that we cannot protect our own identity and dignity. Unless we are united, we cannot protect our existence. If we go separately, our existence will be endangered. Today some say they are not Assamese. If these indigenous people are not Assamese, then who are Assamese?" asked Gogoi.
He said a decision will be arrived at in consultation with all stakeholders of the society and it will not be imposed on any section.
"We should remember that we emotionally made Assamese as state language, but today it is not there. All different communities have different languages. Some chauvinist forces tried to impose one language and all people are going away. We cannot survive as a community with imposition by chauvinist elements," Gogoi said.