NPF, Nagaland Cong slam Shah remarks on English

Imphal/Dimpaur: The Naga People's Front (NPF) has termed the reported comment of Union home minister Amit Shah on English language as "unfortunate" and "disappointing".

The Union minister on June 19 reportedly said those who speak English would be ashamed.

NPF in a statement said Shah represents the aspirations and sentiments of a diverse and pluralistic nation, his words carry the weight of his office and reflect not only personal opinion but also shape public perception.

"The people of India repose their trust in the nation's leaders, especially the Prime Minister and the home minister, as they hold important offices and are expected to uphold the dignity, unity, and inclusive spirit of the country with utmost responsibility and respect," the statement added.

To suggest that speaking English is something to be ashamed of is to overlook the pivotal role that the language has played in uniting the diverse country, with 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of dialects spoken across the nation. "India's linguistic landscape is among the most complex in the world," it added. In such a setting, English has functioned as a bridge language, helping people from different states, ethnicities, and linguistic groups to communicate, collaborate, and coexist, the NPF further added.

It also pointed out that English has often helped maintain national coherence where linguistic fault lines, provided a neutral, common platform—especially in education, governance, and inter-state relations.

NPF is in alliance with BJP in Manipur.