Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'There was a time of Bengali-Assamese competition, now mutual respect'

Tensions between Bengali and Assamese language communities in Assam have given way to mutual respect, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who credited recent infrastructure developments and the granting of classical language status to both languages for improved relations.

 

"There was a time in Assam when there was competition between Bengali and Assamese languages due to various reasons," Sarma said. "However, in recent years, instead of competition among us, a sense of mutual respect has developed, creating an environment where both Bengali and Assamese speakers can use their respective languages according to their convenience and preference."

 

The Chief Minister pointed to significant infrastructure developments since 2014 as a contributing factor to the improved relations between the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, including the conversion of meter-gauge railway tracks to broad gauge and better road connectivity.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent decision to grant classical language status to both Bengali and Assamese has further eased linguistic tensions in the state, according to Sarma. "Following this decision of the Prime Minister, discussions within intellectual circles regarding the origins of these languages have taken a new turn. The competition between Bengali and Assamese has diminished," he noted.

 

Sarma had earlier tweeted: "Gone are the days when there was discontent between people of Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley. Our Govt has ensured equal growth in both regions and with classical language status to both Assamese and Bangla, both communities have got equal respect."

 

During Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phookan Higher Secondary School's anniversary event in Silchar , the Chief Minister also reaffirmed his government's commitment to modernising education, announcing new courses in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and industrial skills.