Opposition to Citizenship Bill unfortunate: Bolen Baishya

Special Correspondent

Silchar: “Certain forces are active to create rift and conflict between the Assamese and Hindu Bengalis over the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which is most uncalled for and unfortunate,” pointed out Bolen Baishya, president, Hindu Jatiyabadi Youth Front (HJYF), Assam while addressing the assembly at a function organized by All Assam Hindu Bengali Association (AAHBA) at the auditorium of Gandhi Bhawan last night here. Continuing he said Bengali Hindus have been assimilated with the ethos and culture of Assam and contributing in their own way towards the socio-economic and cultural development of the state.

Bolen Baishya added to say though he is a Bengali, he has learnt Assamese language and he preferred to speak in that rich and sweet language. It is not difficult to understand who the people are involved in conspiracy from time to time to pose threat to the integrity and solidarity of Assam, the land of Srimanta Sankardev and Ajan Fakir. “Hindu Bengalis believe in co existence and want to live in peace and harmony,” he further stated. There have been no instances when the Hindu Bengalis have ever tried to play a divisive role. But, the reality is that some elements have a devious motive to make Assam another Kashmir.

Elaborating he referred to the systematic distortion in the demographic structure of Assam and the reasons behind it need no explanation. It is quite alarming that nine districts have become Muslim dominated. Two more are in the process. The plight of Kashmiri pundits is known to all. Bolen Baishya did not mince any words to say, “It is Hindu Bengalis who along with their Assamese brothers and sisters can reverse the process and save the state from being another Kashmir.” He also cited the instance of Christian state of Lebanon which in course of time has become an Islamic state. The Greek inhabited state of Cyprus is fast on the way to become an Islamic state.

Bolen Baishya failed to understand why various organizations and political parties should unite to oppose the Citizenship Bill which has been framed to give shelter to the religiously persecuted minorities like Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis and Sikhs migrating from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh to India. “There is not even an iota of protest against the Citizenship Bill in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab where the persecuted minorities are taking shelter and getting protection,” said Baishya. It is true due to the friendly government of Sheikh Hasina, Bengali Hindus and other minorities are feeling safe and secure. But, since the creation of East Pakistan and after that Bangladesh, Hindu Bengalis have been subjected to worst type of persecution. From a population of 33 per cent in 1901, Hindus have dwindled down to 8.5 per cent only at present.

He urged upon AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjee, KMSS president Akhil Gogoi and Prof. Hiren Gohain to understand the reality of situation and the imperative need of maintaining better understanding and relations between Assamese and Hindu Bengalis. He also called upon them to rethink and support the Citizenship Bill. Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Rajkumar Mazinder, assistant professor, department of visual arts, Prof. Niranjan Roy, department of economics and Shankar Bhattacharjee, educationist and ideologue. Basudev Sharma, president, AABHA, initiated the discussion.

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