Silchar: Anger and concern have spread across Silchar following a violent, language-linked attack at Rajlakshmi Food Centre in Natunpatty on Thursday night. On Saturday, members of the Bengali Nabnirman Sena (BNS), the Sweet Vendors’ Welfare Association, and the Itkhola Merchants’ Association held a press conference condemning the incident and demanding prompt police action.

According to reports, four intoxicated youths entered Rajlakshmi Food Centre late Thursday night. A minor disagreement with the staff quickly escalated into verbal abuse in Assamese and vandalism. Witnesses said the attackers claimed connections with the police and bragged about being close to Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. They later summoned more people, smashed the shop’s glass frontage, and warned the staff, saying, “To live in Assam, you must know and speak Assamese.”

Dipanjan Bhattacharjee, a representative of Rajlakshmi Food Centre, called the attack “unprovoked and unacceptable.” He said one suspect had been detained but urged police to apprehend the remaining three. “They were drunk and violent. Such acts must be dealt with firmly,” he said.

BNS representative Pritam Deb described the incident as “unethical and intolerable,” demanding strict legal action against the culprits.

Sweet Vendors’ Welfare Association secretary Samar Bijoy Ghosh echoed the demand, saying, “Exemplary punishment is essential to prevent a repeat of such incidents. We will submit a memorandum to the Cachar SSP to express our protest.”

Members of the Itkhola Merchants’ Association, including T. Singh, also condemned the violence. All three organizations urged the authorities and media to ensure the swift arrest and stern punishment of those responsible, calling the attack a serious instance of linguistic intolerance.

Police have registered a case at Malugram Police Station, and an investigation is underway.