BDF Urges Bengalis to Reunite Irrespective of Religion Amid Open Threats and Vendalism by ULFA and Other Goons

Reported by: Ajit Das

In the wake of growing concerns over recent threats from Alpha and targeted actions against Bengali language and culture, the Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has called upon the Bengalis of Assam to unite, transcending religious divides, to address the situation. The silence of the Chief Minister and the state government regarding these incidents has stirred apprehension among the Bengali community.

Addressing reporters at the BDF office, Jaideep Bhattacharya, Chief Convener of BDF's media cell, expressed his concerns about the mysterious sequence of events targeting Bengalis in Assam, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He pointed out a series of actions that have seemingly affected the political and cultural rights of Bengalis in the state.

BDF Urges Bengalis to Reunite Irrespective of Religion Amid Open Threats and Vendalism by ULFA and Other Goons. pic.twitter.com/PPhCRXJnjD — Gaurav Das (@96_Starlord) October 27, 2023

Bhattacharya highlighted that delimitation first undermined the political rights of Bengalis, followed by the deprivation of land rights using the Bashundhara app, irrespective of whether Hindus or Muslims were living on Khas land in the Brahmaputra Valley. Subsequently, the terrorist organization Alpha Swadhin issued threats against Bengalis across the state, even though the demand for the separation of Barak was unrelated to Bengalis at large. Most recently, Bengali language banners were torn during Durga Puja, with pandal decorations vandalized by language extremists. Despite these incidents, the Chief Minister and the government have remained silent.

Jaideep questioned whether these activities were occurring with the government's tacit support. He called out the Chief Minister's apparent neglect of Bengali Hindus, who significantly contributed to the government's rise to power through their votes.

Continuation of the video... pic.twitter.com/gJUxoddpWd — Gaurav Das (@96_Starlord) October 27, 2023

Noting that 3,200 pujas were held in Bangladesh this year, while West Bengal saw 34,000 pujas, Jaideep contrasted the proactive security measures in Bangladesh and the enthusiasm with which Hindus celebrated the festival. In Assam, however, devout Hindus are compelled to provide their own security despite the government's claim to protect traditional Hindu practices. He raised concerns that these incidents might be orchestrated to force Bengalis to vote for the ruling party in the upcoming elections, thus preventing their grievances from influencing the ballot box.

BDF convener Hrishikesh Deydin emphasized the bias displayed by the police, administration, and the government in dealing with Bengali language rights and other issues. He criticized the double standards employed when issues affected Bengalis as opposed to other linguistic groups. Hrishikesh called for immediate action and responses from the ruling party regarding their stance on these incidents.

The condition of Bengalis in Assam has become increasingly precarious, and calls for a suitable response in the upcoming elections are gaining momentum. The unity of Bengalis, regardless of religious affiliation, is becoming a key factor in addressing these challenges.