Barak Upotyokya Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan Calls for Inquiry into Sribhumi Violence
Condemnation of Violence in Sribhumi
File image of the central office premises of Barak Upotyokya Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan in Silchar. (AT Photo)
Silchar, Oct 27: The Barak Upotyokya Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan has expressed its disapproval of the violence that occurred on October 23 in Sribhumi, labeling it as 'unfortunate and undesirable'. The organization is demanding a thorough and unbiased investigation into the events surrounding the incident.
Gautam Prasad Dutta, the central spokesperson for the organization, has called upon both government officials and civil society groups in the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys to address provocative narratives and safeguard the long-standing relationships among Bengali, Assamese, and other communities.
He stated, 'There was no opposition to the performance of Bihu songs and dances during the idol immersion procession. Certain factions have exaggerated the situation without confirming the facts.'
The procession, organized by Club Hindustan shortly after Vijaya Dashami, showcased Assamese artists from Bargol and Adarkona in Barak Valley.
Dutta noted that participants honored cultural figures such as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Zubeen Garg, and Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.
Referring to initial reports from the Sribhumi district police chief, he mentioned that the incident did not indicate a clash between Assamese and Bengali communities.
He urged for an investigation into the late-night violence, the suspected instigators, and the administration's response, emphasizing the need for accountability without political influence.
The organization also called on civil society to unite across linguistic and ethnic boundaries to counter inflammatory remarks on social media and other platforms.
Authorities have yet to find any evidence suggesting a communal motive behind the alleged attack on Bihu performers. Senior Superintendent of Police Leena Doley indicated that the incident likely arose from a confrontation involving intoxicated individuals.
As of Monday, 17 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, including four apprehended on Sunday night. Previously, 13 members of Club Hindustan, who organized the Bihu performances as part of their final idol immersion procession of the year, were also arrested.
The incident has led to protests in Sribhumi, with the All Assam Students’ Union demonstrating outside the District Commissioner’s Office, demanding justice for the affected performers and stringent action against those responsible.