GUWAHATI: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF), a political party representing the Bengali-speaking majority of the Barak Valley in Assam, has called for the creation of a new state named “Purbachal”. The proposal, which affects Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts, could impact around 42 lakh residents.
However, this isn’t merely about establishing a Bengali state, clarified BDF chief convener Pradip Dutta Roy. Stressing the valley’s diversity during a press meet in Kolkata, he said, “Although Bengalis form the majority, the valley also houses communities such as tea tribes, Dimasa, Manipuri, Bishnupriya, Khasi, and Kuki. All these groups have faced socio-economic deprivation.”
The timing of this demand is significant, following Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent statement. While expressing his desire for unity, Sarma had previously indicated that his government would consider a separate state for Barak Valley if that’s what the locals desired.
Interestingly, all 15 MLAs from the region, even those from the ruling BJP, appear to back the call for statehood.
However, not everyone is on board. The Congress condemned the demand, referencing previous divisions that led to the formation of several states out of Assam. The BJP, meanwhile, refrained from making any comments.
BDF’s Roy also highlighted the discrimination faced by Bengalis in the region, refuting allegations that they are foreigners. “We face systemic discrimination — from the lack of job opportunities, the non-recognition of our language, to the neglect of our industries,” Roy lamented.
He pointed out discrepancies in the allocation of assembly seats. Post delimitation, Barak Valley, with its 42-lakh population, saw its assembly seats drop from 15 to 13. Meanwhile, the tribal-majority Bodoland, which has a population of only 24 lakh, saw its seats increase from 12 to 15.
Assam Congress working president, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, reiterated their opposition to the separate state proposal, hinting at potential political manoeuvrings. He drew attention to Chief Minister Sarma’s earlier opposition to the formation of “Kamatapur” and “Bodoland” states. “Why this sudden change of heart regarding Barak?” Purkayastha questioned. Amidst the debate, the state BJP leadership has chosen to remain silent on the issue.
