Silchar observed the 65th anniversary of the 1961 Language Movement, paying tribute to the 11 language martyrs who lost their lives in police firing at Silchar Railway Station on 19 May 1961 while demanding linguistic rights for the Bengali-speaking people of the Barak Valley.

Historical Background

• In 1960, the Assam Government passed the Assam Official Language Act, making Assamese the official language of the state.
• This led to widespread protests in the Bengali-majority Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.
• On 19 May 1961, peaceful demonstrators staged a picket at Silchar Railway Station demanding recognition of the Bengali language.
• Police opened fire on the protesters, resulting in the death of 11 activists, who came to be known as the Language Martyrs.

Significance of the Movement

• The sacrifice of the martyrs compelled the government to reconsider its language policy.
• Bengali was subsequently granted official status in the Barak Valley region.
• The movement became an important milestone in the protection of linguistic and cultural rights in independent India.

Key Facts

• Observed: Every year on 19 May as Bhasha Shahid Divas.
• Location: Silchar, Cachar district, Assam.
• Notable Martyr: Kamala Bhattacharya, regarded as the world’s first female language martyr.
• Memorial Sites: Silchar Railway Station and Gandhibag remain important symbols of the movement.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

The Language Movement of 1961 in Assam is associated with the demand for official recognition of which language in the Barak Valley?
(a) Bodo
(b) Bengali
(c) Manipuri
(d) Nepali

Answer: (b) Bengali

One-Line Wrap

The 1961 Barak Valley Language Movement stands as a powerful reminder that India’s unity is strengthened by respecting and protecting its linguistic diversity.

SOURCE