Barak Banga finds MP Rajdeep Roy's statement misinterpreting Language Act. "Astonishing"

‘Barak Upatyaka Bongo Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan’ expressed deep concerns and apprehension about the ill intention and conspiracy of changing the linguistic nature of the Valley by wrong and misinterpretation of Assam’s Official Language Act which made provision for use of Bengali as administrative and government communication in Barak valley.

“There is a constant push to demean the linguistic rights from the back door that Barak valley had achieved through a long bloody struggle, and we will not let that happen in any way,” said Barak Banga. They have also urged the people’s representatives to play a positive role in this regard.

On Wednesday, a statement given by the General Secretary of Barak Banga, Goutam Prasad Dutta, mentioned that section 5 of the Assam Official Language Act of 1961, which mandates Bengali as the official and administrative language in the entire Barak Valley. In that act, it is mentioned as ‘safeguard of Bengali language in Cachar.’ The state government issued a government circular on July 24, 1964, which also clearly says that Bengali would be used as the official language in Cachar from August 1 that year. Even though the Government of Assam also recognised Bengali as the official language; whenever there were violations of this act, Barak valley had expressed resentment. In Karimganj, the signboard of the District Industrial Department has been replaced with a Bengali Signboard.

“There is no iota of confusion regarding this act, but few are trying to misinterpret the act. Even what MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy has said is still grossly misinterpreted and not at par with the act. This is astonishing that Silchar MP, the city of language martyrs, which he represents, also tries to undermine the sentiment. This was not expected at all,” adds the statement.

“‘Barak Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan’ has been actively safeguarding the linguistic and cultural rights of Barak valley for 45 years. We raised our voices and protested whenever attempts were made to undermine our heritage. We, however, do not support trashing any language, or no one should mess with the law. We will approach democratic means to raise our voice,” Goutam Dutta, the general secretary said.

He also added that the Bengalis of Barak valley are not hostile towards the Assamese language and culture. There are many sincere followers and readers of the Assamese Language, but this doesn’t mean we will stay silent if anyone tries to violate our linguistic rights. Barak Banga believes that both Assamese and Bengalis should cooperate and enrich their cultural and linguistic heritage.