Bengali Language Movement (Barak Valley)

The Bengali Language Movement (Barak Valley) refers to a series of protests and demonstrations that occurred primarily in the Barak Valley region of Assam, India, starting in the 1960s and intensifying in the 1980s. The movement centered on the demand for Bengali to be recognized as an official language in the region alongside Assamese and English.

Barak Valley, predominantly inhabited by Bengali-speaking people, had long faced linguistic marginalization. The Assam Official Language Act of 1960, which declared Assamese as the sole official language of Assam, triggered significant discontent among the Bengali-speaking population. This act effectively disadvantaged them in government jobs, education, and other aspects of public life.

The movement gained momentum through organizations like the Cachar Gana Sangram Parishad and the All Assam Bengali Youth Students Federation. Protests included strikes, rallies, and civil disobedience.

The peak of the movement occurred on May 19, 1961, when police opened fire on peaceful protesters in Silchar, killing eleven people. This tragic event, known as the Bhasha Shahid Diwas (Language Martyrs' Day) of Barak Valley, further fueled the movement and cemented the demand for linguistic rights.

While Bengali was not declared an official language of Assam in its entirety, the Assam Accord of 1985 and subsequent government actions granted Bengali significant official status in the Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi. It is permitted for use in government offices, education, and other official purposes in these districts.

The Bengali Language Movement (Barak Valley) is a significant chapter in the history of linguistic rights movements in India, highlighting the struggles of linguistic minorities and their fight for recognition and equality. It serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity and the need for inclusive language policies.