Sonai MLA lends support to Barak Bandh; Calls delimitation exercise anti-Muslim

In a press conference held today in Silchar, Sonai AIUDF MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya voiced his concerns over the discrimination faced by Barak Valley in terms of employment opportunities and overall development when compared to other districts of Assam after holding a meeting with Former Vice Chancellor of Assam University Tapodhir Bhattacharjee. He also criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma for reducing the political representation of Barak Valley from 15 to 13 assembly seats.

Seeking support and unity from the people of Barak Valley, MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya lended support to the Barak bandh called by BDF and other organisations on June 27 to protect the rights of the region, regardless of their political affiliations. He specifically called upon the MLA and MP of Silchar, who have expressed their opposition to the proposed delimitation of seats, to rise above party politics and join the bandh.

During the conference, MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya stressed that the term “Khilonjiya” used by the Chief Minister is unparliamentary, as it does not exist in the constitution or the Assam Accord. He asserted that the delimitation exercise, which has resulted in a reduction of Muslim-dominated assembly seats from 30 to 22, is specifically targeting the Muslim community and aims to decrease their chances of winning in eight seats.

Expressing his intention to take legal action, MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya announced plans to approach both the Election Commission and the Supreme Court to challenge the delimitation exercise. He believes that such actions will shed light on the perceived injustice faced by Barak Valley and hold the government accountable.

With his passionate statements, MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya called upon the government to understand the implications of their decisions, suggesting that they have ignited a fire that will not be easily extinguished.