Both banks of Kushiara witness crowds with suppressed gaiety

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Every year on the day of immersion, huge crowd of enthusiastic men, women and teenagers assemble on both banks of river Kushiara from Jakiganj (Bangladesh) and Karimganj to witness immersion of the idols of Goddess Durga carried by boats to the mid stream, the demarcated border line of both countries. This end-festivity, there was no exception either. But, the violent disturbances in south east Bangladesh, though it did not affect Jakiganj area of Sylhet, people in general felt it mentally. Crowds turned out, but the usual emotional outpours were missing.

It is in one sense an example of Indo-Bangla immersion as boats carrying the idols of Deity from both sides are immersed in Kushiara, tributary of Barak, flowing down to Bangladesh. Defying jihadi dictate, Janiganj administration put microphone on to greet the people while sweetmeats were distributed among those who were on boats from Bangladesh by some NGOs. It was exchange of pleasantries which for the moment overshadowed the barbaric acts perpetrated elsewhere.

Some on board the boat from Jakiganj did admit how the lurking sense of fear has affected the overwhelming presence. Some from interior places preferred to immerse the idols in their household ponds. The number of idols has been also less. It was however refreshing to see the prevalence of goodwill and friendship between the shores of Karimganj and Janiganj as against the inhuman acts of demolition of pandals, vandalism on temples and idols, murders and rapes, not sparing even a child.

BSF and BGB kept a close watch. Representatives of Karimganj administration sailed to Bangladesh boats to cheer them up while being present aboard to lead the Puja committee members on their side for immersion. It was also pleasant to see the boats with idols of Goddess coming closer to one another to offer a view to the crowds on either side. Significantly, a message goes out from here on the day of Bijoy Dashmi to people in general of communal harmony, peace and amity.

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