Guwahati: A dispute over the removal of a Bodo-language inscription from the Assam Legislative Assembly building has sparked protests from several organisations, prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to reaffirm the government’s commitment to safeguarding the language and its cultural significance.
Sarma emphasised that the Bodo language holds an important place in Assam’s diverse cultural traditions and represents an integral part of the state’s shared heritage. He said the government would continue its efforts to preserve, promote and enrich the language, ensuring that it receives due recognition.
The Chief Minister also indicated that the Assam Legislative Assembly would remain committed to supporting the language and upholding its importance within the state’s multicultural identity.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Secretariat has sought to address the controversy, stating that the inscription was removed temporarily to facilitate repair work. It rejected reports claiming that the Assembly had decided to permanently remove the Bodo-language inscription from the building, clarifying that no such decision had been taken.
The explanation comes after several Bodo organisations expressed strong objections over reports concerning the inscription at the newly constructed Assembly complex.
The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) voiced its opposition on Friday, alleging that the incident reflected a broader pattern of disregard for the Bodo language. ABSU president Kwrwmdao Wary described the removal as an alleged attempt to weaken the linguistic and cultural identity of the Bodo community.
Wary further warned that continued instances of what the organisation considers administrative discrimination could revive the demand for a separate Bodoland state.
The issue also triggered demonstrations outside the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat on Friday. Activists from the Bodo National Students Union (BONSU), Bodoland Janajati Suraksha Manch (BJSM) and All Assam Tribal Students Union (AATSU) gathered to protest against the reported removal of the inscription.
As part of the demonstration, protesters burnt an effigy of Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass, accusing him of showing disrespect towards the Bodo language and tribal communities.
With the Assembly Secretariat attributing the removal to repair work and community organisations raising concerns over linguistic recognition, the issue has developed into a wider debate over the representation and respect afforded to Assam’s indigenous languages in public institutions.
