Silchar: The Barak Democratic Front has expressed solidarity with the ongoing satyagraha and hunger strike by members of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community, who have been protesting for the past six days to press for their demands.

A delegation of the forum visited the protest site set up near the statue of Khudiram Bose and assured the agitators of full support in their movement.

Speaking at the temporary protest stage, BDF Chief Convener Pradip Dutta Roy said the Bishnupriya Manipuri community shares a deep historical and cultural bond with the people of the Barak Valley, especially Bengali speakers.

He noted that many of those leading the present movement had also played active roles in the Cachar University movement in the past. He further recalled the community’s contribution during the 1961 Barak Valley Language Movement, stating that Bishnupriya leaders stood firmly for linguistic rights during that period.

Roy described it as unfortunate that in the 21st century, members of the community are once again forced to undertake a hunger strike to protect their language rights. He expressed concern that despite the protest continuing for nearly a week, there has been no response from the government.

He also alleged that although the Bishnupriya language had received official recognition following sustained movements in the past, teaching in the language is now at risk due to the lack of appointed teachers. Additionally, he claimed that financial support to the Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council, which had been formed under a previous government to uplift the community’s socio economic condition, has been discontinued.

Roy urged all political parties to unite in support of the community’s legitimate demands and called upon the government and district administration to immediately initiate dialogue with the protesters. He warned that failure to do so could lead to a wider movement.

BDF Convener Hrishikesh Dey also addressed the gathering and said that decades ago, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had assured steps to address the linguistic concerns of the Manipuri community. He expressed regret that after more than fifty years, the Bishnupriya community still has to resort to satyagraha on the same issue.

He reiterated the forum’s full support for the ongoing movement and demanded that the government take an immediate cabinet decision to resolve the matter. He warned that any deterioration in the health of the hunger strikers would be the responsibility of the government and the Cachar district administration.

The development was shared through a press statement issued by BDF Convener Debayan Deb.