Ms. Nicole Bolomey
Programme Specialist for Culture
UNESCO, New Delhi
Madam,
I am surprised at the information about the Aimol language labelled as
‘extinct’ or ‘endangered’ by UNESCO. The news is found at:
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-07.html
Now the language of Aimol is different from any language. And the Aimols
speak their language in their livelihood, except unless they speak
Manipuri (meiteilon)with other tribes or people.
There are more than 4000 Aimols in Manipur, excluding those in Assam.
Officially Aimol Student Union, Manipur is registered and very much active
with the district administration. Aimol Baptist Association has been
affiliated with Manipur Baptist Convention under the Council of Baptist
Churches in North East India. Even Manipur University has Aimol language
in its thesis by scholars.
One should live and co-exist peacefully with all communities without
which no one will have social harmony. However, to assert one language as
extinct or endangered while thousands are speaking the same language is
absolutely funny and misappropriating.
When I looked at: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?pg=00206
the text ”’Endangered Languages of Manipur’ by Dr.Ranjan Singh” is
mentioned as Sources (click on red icon on Manipur map and click on
Sources). Lack of communication could also cause such false information.
I request you to kindly rectify this information both at the state and
international level as soon as possible.
L. Aboi Aimol
_______________
Gorian Str – 34/68
5020 Salzburg, Austria (Europe)
Mobile: +436889038226
www.aimol.org
www.1john13.com
www.salzburgglobal.org (work)