Assam Accord Clause-VI Inapplicable For Barak And Hill Districts: Dilip Kumar Dey

Special Correspondent

Silchar: Proactive Senior Citizens’ Forum (PSCF) of Silchar has argued that Clause VI of Assam Accord is not applicable for Barak Valley and Hill districts since no individual or organisation from these areas were a party to its signing in 1985. Dilip Kumar Dey, general secretary of the Forum, former principal of B. T. College, said being aware of the reality of situation, the Centre and the State have not included any representation from the valley and the hills on the High Level Committee headed by Justice B K Sharma.

A memorandum to the effect signed by the members of the Forum was sent to Justice B K Sharma, Chairman of the High Level Committee for the implementation of Clause IV of Assam Accord. It was signed by Mihir Kar Purkayastha, president, Niharendu Purkayastha, vice-president, members, Ajay Kumar Das IAS (Retired), Krishna Kanta Choudhury, former Commandant, BSF, and others, besides Dilip Kumar Dey.

The forum has demanded that the valley and the hill districts should be kept out of the purview and jurisdiction of the Committee on the grounds of ethics, logical and constitutional propriety as well as on the basis of cultural and legal parameters. It has been strongly pleaded that the High Level Committee should not enforce any recommendations for these areas, considering their geophysical locations as well.

Barak Valley in particular is distinct for its multi ethnic and multi cultural composition. Various communities and tribes have been living for generations in peace and harmony with their culture and identity. Bengalis, Cacharis, Barmans, Manipuri, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Santhals, tea tribes, Nepali and Hindi speaking people, Hmars, Kuki, Paite, Khasi, Jaintia, Koch, Rajbangshi and other linguistic groups make the valley a composite whole, Besides, the valley is known for the traditional bond of mutual understanding and cooperation among Hindus, Muslims, Budhists and Jains.

People are mostly agriculturists and hard working class. The forum is of the view that such homogeneous and well-knit bond should not be disturbed or distorted. It will not be justified also. The forum reminds Assam is a polyglot state, a multilingual, multi religion and multi cultural region. Against this background, nothing should be done to do injustice to any group or community. A copy of the memorandum has been sent to the Union Home Minister.

In the meantime, Citizens’ Rights Protection Committee at a press-meet here on Wednesday has said Assam Accord was not framed and formulated by taking all stake holders into confidence. Hence, it has no locus- standi or legality. It thinks if any decision is taken on the basis of the recommendations of Justice B K Sharma Committee, it will only create misunderstanding and divisiveness among different communities. Besides, as Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, president of CRPC, said it will be an attempt to curb the democratic rights of people. CRPC has also expressed its reservation over the constitution of High Level Committee.

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