Guwahati: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) and Bangali Nabanirman Sena (BNS) have jointly filed a case against Professor Prashanta Chakraborty, the general secretary of the Bengali Literary Society, for allegedly distorting the history of Assam University and insulting the people of Barak Valley.
According to BDF, Professor Chakraborty claimed that Assam University was a product of the Assam Accord, a statement that ignited widespread debate. Following this, he allegedly referred to Barak Valley residents as “spineless Baraki Bengalis.”
The BDF had initially demanded a public apology from Professor Chakraborty.
However, after a month had passed without any such initiative, the BDF lodged an official complaint at the Silchar Sadar Police Station. The complaint accuses him of insulting the Bengali community of Barak Valley and the state.
Addressing a press conference, BDF Media Cell convenor Jaydeep Bhattacharjee said they waited, expecting the professor to acknowledge his mistake and issue an apology.
Since he remained indifferent, BDF proceeded with filing the complaint, Bhattacharjee said.
He further noted that BDF had previously filed similar complaints against others in the Brahmaputra Valley for the same accusations.
He clarified that the case was filed on two grounds: first, for distorting the history of Assam University’s foundation, and second, for insulting the Barak Valley Bengalis by calling them “spineless.”
Bhattacharjee expressed hope that the police and administration would promptly take appropriate action against the professor.
BDF co-convenor Hrishikesh Dey stated that the Cachar district committee of the Bengali Literary Society has given an evasive response by saying that the professor’s remarks were his personal opinion and not that of the organization.
Dey emphasized that BDF does not wish for any division or misunderstanding among the Bengalis of Barak Valley.
He urged the local committee of the Bengali Literary Society to clarify publicly that Assam University was established through the movement of the people of Barak Valley, not the Assam Movement.
He also demanded that the committee pass a resolution condemning the professor’s remarks to resolve the controversy once and for all.
Suman Dey and Dulal Bhowmik of the Bangali Nabanirman Sena reiterated their earlier demand for a public apology from Professor Chakraborty for spreading false information and insulting the community.
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As no apology was tendered, they have now joined the BDF in filing the case, urging immediate action from authorities.
