Guwahati, Sept 14: The Assam government is contemplating the introduction of legislation to protect the identity and dignity of the Chutia community in the state, aiming to address the derogatory use of the term “Chutia.” This initiative seeks to clarify the distinct meanings of “Chutia” in Assam compared to its use in the Hindi-speaking regions of India.
In Hindi or Urdu, “Chutiya” is a commonly used derogatory term that refers to someone as stupid or an idiot, typically used in a mildly offensive manner.
In contrast, “Chutia,” pronounced as “Sutiya,” represents a native ethnic group in Assam with historical ties to the Chutia Kingdom. They constitute an integral part of the Assamese community.
One theory suggests that “Chutia” may have originated from the Assamese word “Chutiya,” which means “a hill.”
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The resemblance in pronunciation between these two terms has led to the Chutia community enduring mockery and taunts about their surname. They have faced recurring ridicule due to this linguistic ambiguity.
Former Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously expressed his commitment to resolving this terminology dilemma through legislation. This move has generated anticipation and hope among members of the Chutia community.
By introducing such a law, the Assam government aims to establish legal safeguards that protect the Chutia community from derogatory usage of their name and reinforce the significance of preserving cultural identities in the state.
