Human-chain formed in Silchar to send across a message of unity amidst communal tension

Since last couple of days Silchar is going through a very stressful time. Communal tension is rife in the ‘Island of Peace’ and people even resorted to taking law in their own hands, a communal unrest looked very much on the cards. Today morning heavy shower calmed the heat a little and in the evening residents of the valley assembled together to depict a sense of unity.

Intellectuals, politicians, young, old, Hindu, Muslim… people of all strata, caste, community and creed joined the procession which marched from Club Road Khudiram Statue and walked upto Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s statue in Rangirkhari point. The procession formed a human-chain in several junctions on the way to send across a message to the people, “Silchar and Barak Valley is united and together.” This gesture will certainly change the mood of the city.

The city is worried about NRC proceedings and that too may be playing a part in the rise of tensions feels elocutionist Amit Sikdar. He was present in the procession and could sense insecurity within people. He believes its possible that people are using the worried citizens to propagate political vendetta. “Who knows who all are behind all that has happened in last two days,” says Sikdar. He feels all that could be staged too to manipulate people.

On the other hand district administration had organised a meeting today at the residence of Deputy Commissioner S Laxmanan. Political leaders and influential dignitaries were present in the meeting and it was unanimously decided that in order to maintain communal harmony in the district, strict actions will be taken against those who attempt to spread rumour or create tension. The administration has decided to install 20 CC TV cameras in sensitive areas.

The administration has informed that the situation in Kalibari Chor is under control and Police have arrested five in connection with April 8 communal unrest incident. The deputy commissioner urged people to report any suspicious activity to 7086021473, 9435137819 and 03842246882.