Rajbanshi cry for citizen list

BIRESWAR BANERJEE, TT, 05 Sep 2019, Siliguri: Representatives of the Bhumiputra Aikya Mancha -- a forum of two Rajbanshi organisations -- have demanded that NRC be implemented in north Bengal.

They have also asserted that they would oppose the entry of any of the 19 lakh people who have failed to make it to the final draft of NRC from Assam to Bengal.

"Infiltration is a major issue in north Bengal and thus, we have raised the demand that NRC should be implemented in the region. Also, it has been found that over 19 lakh people could not find their names in NRC. If any of them will try to enter north Bengal, we will resist them with all our efforts," said Bangshibadan Burman, chairman of the Mancha.

The Mancha was recently floated by the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples' Associ- sive Party. Both organisations have been demanding a separate state that would comprise north Bengal districts (other than the hills) and some contiguous areas of Assam.

"Once they (those not on the NRC list) are allowed to take shelter here, there will be an adverse effect on the local economy. Also, people like us who have been residing here for generations now, will face problems with regard to employment and other issues. As a whole, there will be a demographic change in the region and we cannot let it happen," Atul Roy, vicechairman of the Mancha, said.

On Wednesday, around 1,000-odd supporters of the Mancha took a rally in Siliguri.

Their stand is in consonance with the BJP's as the party wants NRC across Bengal. It is in complete contrast with the stand of the state government and Trinamul.

Even the chief minister has mentioned have not made it to the list. Burman who is also the general secre- tary of GCPA and Roy, who is the president of KPP, are still in government posts. While Burman is the chairman of Rajbanshi Bhasha Academy and Rajbanshi Development & Cultural Board, Roy is the vice chairman Kamtapuri Bhasha Academy.

"But now they are taking completely opposite stand. It is a fresh poser for Trinanyu," said an observer.

This is because in north Bengal districts, Rajbanshis -- who comes under scheduled castes category -- constitute a substantial portion of the vote bank.

"Trinamul cannot afford to antagonize the Rajbanshi vote bank as their votes matter in almost half of the 54 Assembly seats of the region. However, if these two leaders keep on asserting in such terms, questions would be naturally raised within the party. It would be interesting to see how Trinamul handles the situation," an observer said.