5 arrests clear way for Cachar’s Harinagar idol immersions; apology issued, community denies ‘Dima Raji’ claim

Harinagar Bazar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee and the Harinagar Hospital Road Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee from Harinagar under Lakhipur co-district that had kept Durga idol immersions in abeyance as a mark of protest have completed the ritual after Cachar Police arrested five individuals from both sides on Sunday.

The committees had alleged that members of the Barman community assaulted participants, vandalised idols, and raised slogans to “establish Dima Raji” and “free the area from Bengalis.” Police action overnight paved the way for immersion.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Cachar, Numal Mahatta told Barak Bulletin: “The matter was amicably resolved earlier today, and then the immersions took place. Actually, the issue was resolved on that day itself following discussions with both parties. However, the following morning, it again escalated and alarming statements were made. We are monitoring the situation, and our priority is to ensure peace and tranquility are maintained.”

In a development aimed at cooling tempers, the individual who had briefed media yesterday issued a formal, unconditional apology: “In the heat of the moment, I said certain things that can incite violence and have hurt the sentiments of my brothers and sisters from the Barman community. I was not in my senses while making the statement, and therefore, I seek a formal apology.”

A senior member of the Barman community rejected the allegation that there were demands to create a “Dima Raji” in the area. To the contrary, he said, “Honourable Chief Minister had asked us if we want to be associated with Cachar. We said yes, we want to be with Cachar. In fact, we even submitted a memorandum to the CMO stating that we want to remain a part of Cachar district as we are. We leave in peace and believe in coexistence, and so, these allegations are baseless.” Barak Bulletin has confirmed through senior officials that a memorandum has indeed been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office stating the same.

Downplaying the flashpoint, he added: “A few young boys got into a scuffle and most of them were under the influence of alcohol. That is it. Associating this incident with terrorism or delimitation is naive.”

Cachar Police confirmed five arrests, comprising accused from both parties. While the immediate law-and-order concern has eased with the immersions completed, SSP Mahatta said the force will continue to monitor the area to prevent further escalation and will pursue the ongoing investigation into the alleged vandalism and related offences.