We don’t disrespect Assamese, but also expect due honour of our official language ‘Bangla’: Tamal Banik

Nov. 28: Cachar Police on Saturday evening arrested Pradip Dutta Roy, Chief Convener of Barak Democratic Front (BDF). He has been booked under section 153A, 295, 295A, 120B, 124, 505, 506 of IPC and sent to Silchar central Jail till 10 December, 2021. Pradip Dutta Roy in the capacity of Chief Convener of BDF allegedly issued strict warning to remove a hoarding written in Assamese within the premises of Goswami Filling Station (Petrol Pump) in Silchar. Following which, an FIR was lodged against him leading to his arrest.

Expressing his views on this issue, former Municipal Chairperson and Congress leader Tamal Kanti Banik termed the entire issue as very ‘unfortunate one.’ He said, “Chief Minister of Assam took no action against Lachit Sena who on numerous occasions have threatened the Bengalis residing in the state with dire consequences. Himanta Biswa Sarma just turned a blind eye to them. On the other hand, Pradip Dutta Roy was booked for protecting his mother tongue ‘Bengali’ which is the official language of Barak Valley. What surprised me most is the threatening language used by the Chief Minister towards Pradip Dutta Roy during a press meet in Guwahati held yesterday. This speaks volume of double standard maintained by him, which is also unbecoming of a person of the stature of the Chief Minister.”

“The Chief Minister seems to create a rift between the Hindus and the Muslims. Bodo, Assamese, Bengali etc. are the linguistic identity of a person and any attempt to tag in vote bank politics with it is is most unwelcome. CM Assam is involved in divisive politics. He needs to provide explanation as to how the Bengalis in Barak valley are minorities?” The question was raised by Mr Banik.

Commenting on the language issue, Tamal Banik said, “The people of Barak Valley does not cherish any disrespect towards Assamese language. However, at the same time, we would not make any compromise with our mother tongue ‘Bengali’ which got recognition as the official language of Barak Valley due to the life laid down by the martyrs in 1961.”

“Section 5 of The Assam official Language (Amendment) Act, 1961 clearly mentions that Bengali Language shall be used for all administrative and official purposes in the District of Cachar. Now, if this is what the Act says, then it seems to be the sacred duty of the government to respect the Act passed by the Legislative Assembly. Pradip Dutta Roy said the same thing. He demanded that government hoardings in Barak Valley should be put up in Bengali. Well, this is a legitimate claim going by the Act! So why has he been branded as anti-national? Mother tongue is indeed a very sentimental issue. Instead of trampling upon the legitimate rights of the people of Barak, the Chief Minister should try to abide by the provisions of the Act,” added Tamal Kanti Banik.

He also said, “The provisions of law should be applicable equally for all and sundry within a state. However, it pains to see the step-motherly attitude of the government towards Bengalis and Barak Valley. If protecting and preserving one’s mother tongue is a crime, then Lachit Sena is also in the same boat. But they are shielded by the government. Is it because their mother tongue is Assamese and over here our’s is Bengali?”