Interview with Barak Democratic Front BDF chief convener Pradip Dutta Roy :::: "After BJP came to power gaps b/w Barak & mainstream Assam should have narrowed"

"15 MLAs and three MPs of Barak Valley have set a record of failures" 

#Question: 

To start with, a separate state for Barak valley is very old demand. But in probability, the Centre is not in favour of division of Assam. So it is always better to take a practical stand. At the level of BDF how do you look at issues concerning the people and the region ? It is also again a pre-election season and hence some political rhetoric is expected. But after that things do not change much.

Pradip Dutta Roy:  In some ways, you sound quite negative. This may be due to the nature of your profession. But at least you are frank about many things. It's a fact that the statehood for Barak Valley is a long-pending demand. This region is getting a step-motherly treatment under successive state governments. That's the sad part... we saw the Congress, regional party AGP and also the BJP since 2016.... but some things have remained constant. That's the neglect of Barak valley. 

#Question: 

So you are not hopeful .... but at the same time you want to continue to sustain pressure.  

Pradip Dutta Roy:

At times when nothing works, we are forced to put pressure. We are committed to our people who are suffering under development, natural disasters and poor governance. Our people are very much agitated… The Barak valley is faced with multiple problems; we are left with no option but to put forth the statehood demand. Our movement has nothing to do with the allegation on being anti-Assamese people or against the state of Assam. Our point is simple, arrangements with the administration in Guwahati has not helped much. 

#Question:  

But after BJP came to power... there have been lot of developments in Guwahati and other parts of Assam. But you are insisting that the Barak valley has faced neglect and discrimination.

Pradip Dutta Roy:

Oh yes. We also thought after BJP came to power in Assam in 2016 and Prime Minster Narendra Modi spoke at length about the Double Engine Sarkar; the gaps between Barak and mainstream Assam and Guwahati region should have narrowed. That did not happen. You can find out the reasons at your level.

#Question:  But you can give an analysis at your level. You are the man on the ground. 

Pradip Dutta Roy:

See, this is a different era. Technology and internet have changed human beings and also the human world. In this era, army cannot conquer wisdom. Knowledge, potentials and information will not end at borders. So if money is poured in and yet things have not improved on ground; we know where the trouble is. My people in Barak valley are industrious. But we do not see much enthusiasm among bureaucracy and others who have to push development in our region. 

The fact of the matter is quite bitter. The Governments and local representatives have failed  to solve infra problems, road conditions etc. Do you know the airfare between Silchar and Guwahati has increased to Rs 13,000–Rs 19,000. But between Agartala and Guwahati, you can fly just for Rs 1600 or so.

Thus, sending a critical patient outside the valley for treatment has become an ordeal. So how long can we continue to suffer?  

# Question:

Do not mind my asking this. It may be an easy option out to criticise the Assam government and New Delhi. But your region is well represented in Parliament and the state assembly. There are 15 MLAs and three MPs ... what about them? Are they also not accountable ?  

Pradip Dutta Roy:

Well, I cannot agree more. This is also bitter truth. But the overall system is designed to harm the Cachar region right from 1947 or the 1950s.

Look, currently, Barak Valley is cut off from the rest of India via both rail and road. But have you seen our MPs rushing to Civil Aviation Ministry on this. They are not bothered. They are rich and their tickets will be government sponsored. The same applies to all our MLAs irrespective of party affiliation. 

The MLAs and ministers and three MPs of Barak Valley have set a record of failures. If high commands say keep shut, they will not open their mouth. They only open their mouth when they have to ask for votes. Overall, the situation is worsening. That is why the Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has raised its voice. We will continue to do so.

#Question: Earlier you mentioned about natural disaster. Flood is very regular but relief department officials among Bengalis in Silchar and Karimganj have also grown rich. Hope you understand what I am trying to say? 

Pradip Dutta Roy:

I always understand what journalists say. (Smiles) But you are not following what I say. There is a systematic exploitation. You ca say Conspiracy. The floods have been the same scenario for decades. Every year during the monsoon, Barak Valley ends up getting disconnected from the rest of the country .... the policy makers and government officials simply sit home and then we are back in business. 

Governments and local representatives have failed miserably. 

Citizens of Barak have long been demanding alternative roads and railways. One highway construction has been ongoing for 28 years, yet the 23-km stretch in Dima Hasao district remains incomplete. This is bigger wonder than the Taj Mahal.  

 

On the other hand, a viable alternative road connecting Silchar to Guwahati via Harangajao, Turuk, Panimur, Umrangshu, and Jagiroad could be built quickly....It will reduce the distance by 70 km and make it possible to reach Guwahati in just 7 hours. 

Moreover, the Chandranathpur–Lanka railway line has undergone surveys twice, yet there's no much progress. 

ends