Silchar: A formal representation challenging the historical accuracy of references linking the establishment of Assam University, Silchar, to the Assam Accord of 1985 has prompted the Assam Government to initiate a fact-finding review.

The petition was submitted by Sunil Roy, president of the Barak Upotyaka Matribhasha Suraksha Samiti, Silchar, to the Chief Secretary of Assam. Roy has contested a claim found on various Assam Government websites which states: “The Assam University in Silchar was established in 1994 fulfilling a commitment made in the Assam Accord.” According to him, this statement is factually incorrect and historically misleading.

Roy argues that the establishment of Assam University was not a commitment outlined in the Assam Accord and, in fact, faced opposition from several leaders of the Assam Movement, including Members of Parliament from the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), when the bill for the university was tabled in Parliament.

The representation has led the Implementation of Assam Accord Department to forward the matter to the Higher Education Department, requesting a thorough examination of the facts and appropriate action. In a communication dated July 29, Nandita Boruah, Joint Secretary to the Government of Assam (Higher Education), has instructed the Director of Higher Education, Assam, to verify the claim and provide factual clarification.

Additionally, the petitioner has urged departments to exercise due diligence in matters related to language and education policy to avoid any violations of the Assam Language Act, the Shastri Formula of 1961, and the Shillong Accord of 1973.

The issue touches on sensitive historical and linguistic concerns in the Barak Valley, and the government’s decision on this matter is expected to have wider implications for official communications and public records relating to Assam’s linguistic and educational history.

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