Letters to the Editor: Promote Assamese Cinema

Promote Assamese Cinema

I am writing to express my concern about the lack of attention given to Assamese cinema. Despite having a rich history and producing award-winning films like Village Rockstars, Assamese films still struggle with low budgets, poor distribution, and limited screens. It is important that the government and private sectors come forward to support our regional cinema. More film festivals, subsidies, and promotions can help revive and popularise Assamese movies both within and outside the state. Assamese cinema has the potential to represent our unique culture and stories to the world. It deserves more support and recognition.

Karanjit Das

Gauhati University

Mamata’s needless concern

The West Bengal CM's apprehension for hordes of 'land hungry' Muslim immigrant peasants, who have illegally migrated into Assam from Bangladesh and posed a serious threat to the integrity and security of the northeastern region, has miserably failed to impact the long-awaited unprecedented statewide massive eviction drive taken up by the state government headed by the CM, who has proved that "where there is political will, there is a way." In the July 21 editorial, 'Mamata Banerjee's needless concern,' it has been rightly highlighted that the notorious IM(DT) Act of 1983, which the Supreme Court had already struck down, has caused immense damage in the geo-strategically vital districts of lower Assam, namely Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, and Darang, where indigenous people of the state are not only reduced to a minority, but their cultural survival is in jeopardy, political control is weakened, and employment opportunities are undermined by the immigrant peasants from East Bengal. Their silent and invidious demographic invasion has turned these districts into a Muslim majority region while severing the entire landmass, which is rich in natural resources, from the rest of India. The state government's seriousness about the anti-eviction drive speaks volumes after the CM had set the ball rolling for the implementation of the Justice Biplab Sharma committee's recommendation regarding Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The reclaim of natural habitats and wildlife sanctuaries from the grip of illegal encroachment is a triumph for wildlife conservation, which is a significant achievement of the government. So, the war against the evictees must continue on a war footing despite strong protests and opposition, as it has become imperative to safeguard the socio-economic, cultural, and demographic landscape of Assam and other states of the NE from a dicey future.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Eviction momentum must be maintained

It is an undeniable reality that thousands of hectares of Assam’s forest and cultivable land continue to be illegally encroached upon by neighbouring states—Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. This encroachment is not merely a territorial dispute; it directly affects the livelihoods of our people, disrupts peace in border areas, and challenges the sovereignty of our state. What is more alarming is the recurring pattern of provocation and unrest orchestrated by miscreants from across the borders. These acts have long strained interstate relations and caused insecurity among residents living near the interstate border areas. In recent times, the government has shown commendable resolve by initiating eviction drives to reclaim occupied land. But this must not be a one-time measure. The current momentum must be sustained with determination and strategic planning.

This is a critical test for the state government. Will it rise to the occasion and ensure justice for its people, or will it allow years of encroachment to go unchallenged? Now is the time for firm, yet responsible, action to protect our land, our people, and our future. Let the message be clear: peace, coexistence, and cooperation are always welcome—but not at the cost of Assam’s rightful territory.

Prafulla Dowarah

Guwahati