Silchar:– The Chief Minister’s conspicuous silence in the face of mounting threats and the recent wave of language terrorism has left many residents of the state bewildered and concerned. The Bengali Development Forum (BDF), a prominent social organization, has called upon the Bengalis of the state to unite, transcending religious differences, to safeguard their very existence.
In a press conference held at the BDF office on Friday, Chief Convener of BDF Media Cell, Jaydeep Bhattacharya, expressed deep apprehension over the series of incidents targeting Bengalis in the state, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He suggested that these occurrences appeared to be driven by political motives, which added to the mystery surrounding them.
Bhattacharya pointed out that the political rights of Bengalis were initially undermined by delimitation. Subsequently, Bengalis found themselves deprived of their land rights, irrespective of their religious background, due to the Bashundhara app in the Brahmaputra valley. To compound matters, the terrorist organization Alpha Swadhin has issued menacing threats against Bengalis across the entire state, despite their demands for the separation of Barak having no direct relevance to the Bengali population at large.
More recently, during the festive season, Bengali language banners were torn down, and pandal decorations were vandalized by language terrorists. Despite these alarming incidents, the Chief Minister and the government have yet to address the concerns or offer reassurance to the affected communities.
Bhattacharya raised the critical question of whether these activities are transpiring with covert government support. He emphasized that there appears to be a coordinated effort to create an atmosphere of threat and terror, compelling Bengalis to cast their votes in favor of the ruling party during the next election. This may serve as a means to deflect their anger resulting from the various deprivations they have endured, thereby ensuring continued political support.
In a significant comparison, Bhattacharya highlighted the contrast between the situation in West Bengal and neighboring Bangladesh during the recent puja celebrations. In Bangladesh, where the Hindu minority resides, over 32,000 pujas took place this year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina even instructed her party workers to safeguard the celebrations, resulting in a peaceful and joyous observance of the festival. However, in Assam, Bengali Hindus are compelled to provide security, despite the state government’s claims of being the protector of traditional Hindus. This stark contrast suggests an underlying nationalist agenda that aims to hinder Bengali Hindus from practicing their religion without interference.
Bhattacharya urged Bengalis in the state to set aside religious divisions and unite in protest against the government’s perceived neglect and inaction. Failing to do so, he warned, could lead to a crisis of existence in the future for Bengali communities. The Chief Convener’s statements underscore the urgency of addressing these issues and the need for a united front to protect the rights and culture of Bengalis in the state.
