Silchar: The Union Territory Demand Committee (UTDC) has demanded declaration of the Barak Valley as Union Territory before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The UTDC members told the media that they would send a memorandum to the Prime Minister and other central leaders by next November, urging them to initiate the process of formation of the Union Territory. The UTDC also warned that they would launch a mass movement from December if the Centre does not take quick steps to fulfill their long-standing demand.
The agitation for separation from Assam became louder after Himanta, during his visit to Silchar last week, said his government was ready to discuss the proposal of a separate Barak Valley if the people of the valley want it. “If the people of Barak Valley want a separate Barak land, we will not oppose. Why should we oppose it? That is a decision to be taken in the Barak Valley. We cannot say anything and we will not get in the way. That is not our job…,” the CM had said.
Sanjit Debnath, president, central committee, UTDC, on Wednesday claimed that the demand for a UT status for the Barak Valley, which comprises three districts of Assam (Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi), is historically an old one, dating back to 1971. He said the Centre has agreed to their demand at different times but has failed to implement it due to various obstacles. He expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay and said they would not accept any more excuses from the government.
Debnath alleged that the people of the Barak Valley have been victims of extreme deprivation and discrimination by the Assam government since Independence. He further said the people of the Barak Valley have to live like second-class citizens and suffer from unprecedented exploitation and abuse in every sphere of life.
Debnath also appealed to the people of Barak Valley to unite across religious and ethnic lines and support their demand for a UT status.
The UTDC members told the media that they would send a memorandum to the Prime Minister and other central leaders by next November, urging them to initiate the process of formation of the Union Territory. The UTDC also warned that they would launch a mass movement from December if the Centre does not take quick steps to fulfill their long-standing demand.
The agitation for separation from Assam became louder after Himanta, during his visit to Silchar last week, said his government was ready to discuss the proposal of a separate Barak Valley if the people of the valley want it. “If the people of Barak Valley want a separate Barak land, we will not oppose. Why should we oppose it? That is a decision to be taken in the Barak Valley. We cannot say anything and we will not get in the way. That is not our job…,” the CM had said.
Sanjit Debnath, president, central committee, UTDC, on Wednesday claimed that the demand for a UT status for the Barak Valley, which comprises three districts of Assam (Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi), is historically an old one, dating back to 1971. He said the Centre has agreed to their demand at different times but has failed to implement it due to various obstacles. He expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay and said they would not accept any more excuses from the government.
Debnath alleged that the people of the Barak Valley have been victims of extreme deprivation and discrimination by the Assam government since Independence. He further said the people of the Barak Valley have to live like second-class citizens and suffer from unprecedented exploitation and abuse in every sphere of life.
Debnath also appealed to the people of Barak Valley to unite across religious and ethnic lines and support their demand for a UT status.
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