Complaint lodged against SVBITA Chairman for making “Barak Valley filled with Bangladeshi Statement”

On February 3, 2024, the Surma Valley Branch Indian Tea Association (SVBITA) convened its 123rd Annual General Meeting in Silchar, addressing concerns affecting tea tribes and gardens. One significant issue discussed was the reported influx of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigration encroaching on tea garden areas. The Chairman, I.B. Ubadia, made a statement on this matter, leading to considerable public backlash and an FIR filed against him on February 5.

The meeting covered various topics, including labour problems, quality control, environmental cleanliness, sustainable planning, and the implementation of solar energy, all with the well-being of the tea garden area and its people in mind. However, Chairman Ubadia’s statement about the alleged surge in Illegal Bangladeshi Immigration creating issues in tea garden territories drew attention.

Expressing concern, Ubadia highlighted that substantial portions of Barak Valley’s tea gardens have been unlawfully taken over by Bangladeshi immigrants, emphasizing the entire Barak Valley is grappling with this issue. He pointed out that, aside from the tea industry, all government lands have been encroached upon by illegal immigrants, intensifying the pressure on tea garden areas. He stressed that the tea garden areas are now entirely surrounded by Bangladeshi immigrants.

In response to these concerns, Ubadia revealed that they have proposed to the government the establishment of a “Separate Tea Cell” dedicated to safeguarding tea garden areas, believing this group would promptly resolve issues related to the illegal occupation of tea garden lands along the India-Bangladesh international border.

Ubadia’s statement did not sit well with the public, leading to various criticisms. On February 5, Debayan Deb from Barak Democratic Front filed an FIR against Ubadia for making remarks deemed unacceptable. The FIR stated that Ubadia’s statement insulted the self-esteem of the residents of the Barak Valley region, constituting an unwarranted offense.

Expressing concern, the FIR highlighted that such statements could create unrest among the people, potentially leading to inter-community conflict, urging authorities to take swift action. Pradip Dutta Roy from Barak Democratic Front emphasized that Ubadia, being an outsider, had no authority to make such statements, calling them an insult to the region, its people, and the country.

Mr. Pradip Dutta Roy stated that one FIR was filed, more would be filed soon, and authorities needed to make decisions. He highlighted that Ubadia could not stay in Barak Valley any longer and needed to apologize for hurting the sentiments of the locals by labeling them as Bangladeshi.

Rajesh Das of TMC condemned Ubadia’s statement, stating it insulted the sentiments of Barak Valley residents. He urged people to socially boycott Ubadia until he apologizes for his statement. Das deemed the statement unacceptable and called on authorities to take action against it. He emphasised that elected representatives who take action against anyone posting anything unacceptable on social media should also take action against this statement which is directly insulting their voters.

Meanwhile, MLA Dipayan Chakraborty of Silchar refrained from commenting without knowing the entire incident properly. He informed that only after studying the matter minutely would he be able to say anything.

The President of Cachar BJP, Bimelendu Roy, shared a similar statement, stating he was unaware of the incident as he was in Guwahati. He needs time to find out about it properly before giving a statement. As of writing this report, no statement was received from their end.