"Necessity is the mother of invention" is the most appropriate words to describe the causes for the demand of a separate Union Territory for Barak Valley

#Barak valley #Assam #Cachar #Muslims #Hailakandi #Karmganj 

"Necessity is the mother of invention" - is the most appropriate words to describe the causes for the demand of a separate Union Territory for Barak Valley," says a letter written recently addressed to the Govt of India to ventilate the demand.  

Historical grievances and the need for greater autonomy are generally attributed as principal factors for the demand. A separate state or administration for Bengali-dominated Cachar region or Barak Valley in Assam has a recurring issue.

On the face value, "linguistic and cultural differences and alleged neglect/discrimination by the state government in Dispur (Guwahati)"  are also cited from time to time.

It is the pre-election season for the big battle of Assam in 2026 and hence the issue has been flagged off yet again.

The proposed state or a new administrative region would encompass the three southern Assam districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, along with parts of tribal-dominated Dima Hasao. 

Organizations like the Barak Democratic Front have actively advocated for this demand.

 

River Barak and nature 

Blogger - BJP Govt built New Bridge at Silchar working as a blessing 

The Barak Valley is located in the southern most part of Assam and is one of the oldest districts (named Cachar) of the state. 

The District of Cachar (now Barak Valley) is bounded by hills on all sides, on the north by North Cachar Hills district and Barail Range, Mizoram state on the South, State of Manipur on the East, Tripura and Bangladesh on the West. Topographically, Barak Valley is heterogeneous composed of high hills, low lands and plains. Vast tracks in the southern part of the valley are covered with forests. 

For those interested, the two major rivers Barak and Kushiara along with nineteen other tributaries and rivulets flow through the valley.

The letter - apparently that has also reached PMO and Union Home Ministry - alleges that the Barak Valley has been subjected to utter discrimination in all matters. It has never found any place in the Five year's Planning or in the area development packages so far announced by the Union Government. 

"Electoral politics has played its role in economic discrimination to the Valley". 

The strongest call for a new administration was heard in the Valley since the famous Bengali language movement of 1960s, where 11  Bengalis laid down their lives to protect Bengali language and culture in the valley.

Way back in 1954, the Cachar States Reorganisation Committee had submitted a memorandum to the States Reorganisation Commission for the creation of new state of Purbachal.

Another letter was sent in 1955.

But in 1955 itself the State Reorganization Commission in a report maintained that the idea of a 'separate state' in Barak valley did not have much merit because at that time its natural resources were not adequate, the population of Barak Valley was very less to meet requirements of separate statehood.

Moreover, the total area was also less than the neighbouring erstwhile districts of Assam such as – Naga Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills (in Meghalaya) and also Lushai Hills which later was carved out as a separate state of Mizoram. 

On 28th December 2023, the Barak Democratic Front chief convener Pradeep Dutta Roy "challenged" the state government to conduct a referendum and claimed that if 90% of people vote against separation, they would withdraw the demand.

On 2 April 2024, the Subarnakhand Rashtriya Samiti, another organization  in the Valley, also called for the establishment of a separate Barak Valley state. 

Mere demands would not result division of Assam. 

As compared to rest of Assam, the unemployment rate in Barak Valley is also high and is one of the main reasons behind the massive migration of its youth to other parts of India in search of livelihood. 

Barak Valley job applicants in grade III and IV recruitment are victims of severe discrimination.

On Nov 18, 2022, a Bandh was organized by Barak Democratic Front in to 'protest' the deprivation of unemployed youths of the valley in the Class III and IV job recruitment process. 

But nothing have been solved. 

"On 27th April 2007 and 16th May 2015, the Cachar Sugar Mill and Cachar Paper Mill, the only two major Industries in Barak Valley, were closed down by the State government without any valid reasons. This closure ultimately led to severe unemployment and economic crisis in the valley, as those industries were the major contributors to GDP after agriculture," goes another refrain from a young student in Silchar.

The Poverty rate in Barak Valley is high as compared to mainland Brahmaputra Valley region of Assam. 

As per NITI Aayog, almost half of the population of the valley is living in dire poverty without having proper access to food, electricity and safe drinking water etc. 

In terms of Multidimensional Poverty, the three districts of Barak Valley have featured among the poorest of districts in the state. 

As per reports, about 51% of the Hailakandi's population, 42.37% of the Cachar's population and 46.02% of Karimganj's population are living under abject poverty.

ends