Locals force introduction of Assamese in army school

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 11: The army has decided to introduce Assamese in the Red Horns Public School, following a clamour in the area.

The school has been in the eye of a storm following several allegations by some local people.

Army officials said some locals have been trying to instigate parents and staff of the school with false propaganda, “clearly with some unexplained intent and may be with a view to close down the school”.

“The main issue that has just been raised is to include Assamese language, the demand for which had never been indicated in the past. This school is well aware of local sentiments as is the entire Indian Army which has been in Assam for nearly three decades. In fact, the school has always promoted local culture and is proud to promote Assamese language.  It was in this context that the proposal to include Assamese language was principally agreed upon during a meeting convened by district administration,” an army spokesman said.

A section of locals, however, claimed that the school authority decided to include Assamese in its curriculum following a directive from the PMO. The army has, however, denied it.

The Rangiya based Red Horns Division has been running the Red Horns Public School since 1988. This school because of its reasoble fee structure and quality education is very popular among the local population.  The school was established for the children of Army personnel only.  However, the school facilities were extended for benefit of local children as a goodwill measure at nomil fee structure due to which 275 to 300 local children have been getting quality education over the years.  

Majority of teachers are from civilian background from Rangiya.

An army statement today said some elements were trying to spread malicious propaganda against the school. “They have also been instigating candidates who are not successful in being appointed as teachers in the school as well.  This fact raises a high degree of suspicion towards the possibility of these elements playing into the hands of certain anti-tiol/anti-social groups active in the area,” the statement said.