It contends that language in Assam has never been merely a means of communication but has functioned as a marker of belonging and, at times, a trigger for violence. The study traces the flashpoint to 1961, when the Assam government amended its Official Language Act to recognise Assamese as the sole official language, while allowing limited use of Bengali in parts of the Barak Valley. Assam, it notes, has long been a multilingual and multi-ethnic society, home to diverse communities, whose coexistence was disrupted by rigid language policies. The imposition of Bengali as the language of administration in 19th century Assam marginalised Assamese speakers in courts and government employment. According to the study, language became closely tied to access to power.

Source: The Hindu January 02, 2026 11:42 UTC